On April 15, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Olympic torch relay, China-France relations, CNN commentator's anti-China remarks and etc.

Jiang Yu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Firstly, I have two announcements to make.

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso will pay an official visit to China from April 24 to 26.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will pay an official visit to China from April 19 to 26.

Now the floor is open.

Q: Do you think the Olympic torch relay will meet large-scale protests on Thursday in India? Has China discussed with India about the security measures for the torch relay? Second question, is there any progress on the dialogue between the Central Government and Dalai?

A: The Beijing Olympic torch has been relayed smoothly in some cities. We have seen aspiration and enthusiasm of people all over the world to support the Olympic Games. The relay went smoothly under the assistance of relevant countries. We believe that the relay in New Delhi will also get the support of the Indian people and the effective cooperation and assistance of the India side. The nature of separation and sabotage of Tibetan independent forces will be exposed once again if they try to disrupt the relay in India.

Our policy towards Dalai is consistent and clear. The Central Government has maintained contact with the Dalai side with maximum patience. At present, the obstacles for contact and dialogue don't fall within us, but into the Dalai side. We hope Dalai can truly abandon the separatist and sabotaging activities. If he really wants to continue the contact and dialogue, he must take concrete actions. Otherwise, there is no way out.

Q: It's reported that the US State Department and some organizations and Funds colluded with the Tibetan independent forces to launch protest against the Beijing Olympic Games. How do you comment on that? Some US senators may meet with Dalai next week. How do you comment and respond to that?

A: More and more facts have proven that the incidents of beating, smashing up properties, looting and arson in Lhasa and other places are organized, premeditated by the Dalai Clique, and colluded by the Tibetan independent forces, both in China and abroad. We hope relevant countries and individuals can respect facts, tell the right from wrong, and fully understand and support the Chinese Government's efforts to protect the life and property of the Chinese people and safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The US side should see clearly the true nature of Dalai, who is a political exile engaged in splitting motherland and undermining national unity for a long time which has been proved by more and more facts. We hope the US refrain from supporting and conniving at the separatist activities by the Dalai Clique by any means.

Q:Because of the torch relay disruption in Paris, some Chinese launched an internet campaign for the boycott of French products, especially Carrefour. Do you support the boycott?

A: It's true that some Chinese people expressed their views and emotions in the past few days, but there is a reason for this. This is actually something the French side should ponder over. I believe the Chinese citizens will express their reasonable appeal in accordance with the law.

Q: Can foreign journalists enter Tibet freely after the May Day? China has hosted many rounds of talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, and what is the significance for China to host the talks on the Iranian nuclear issue?

A: in the past, you only need to go through certain formalities for a reporting trip to Tibet. The current special measures are taken just because of the violent crimes days ago. The government of Tibet Autonomous Region is making efforts to resume the normal social order based on the maintenance of the stability there. On entering Tibet for report, you could contact the government of the Tibet Autonomous Region for any new arrangement.

The E3 plus 3 Political Director-Generals' Meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue will be held in Shanghai tomorrow. The Political Director-Generals from the Foreign Ministries of the US, Russia, Britain, France, Germany and China as well as the Director-General for External and Politico-Military Affairs at the General Secretariat of the European Council will be present at the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to implement the Joint Document issued by the Foreign Ministers of the six countries at the beginning of March and resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation. We hope relevant parties can have in-depth discussions on the resumption of the talks on the Iranian nuclear issue and try to find a proper solution of the Iranian nuclear issue in a comprehensive and long-term way through diplomatic channels. China is ready to join hands with related parties to send positive signals to the international community and make achievements at an early date.

Q: In covering the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in San Francisco recently, CNN's commentator Jack Cafferty attacked China, saying that imported Chinese products are "junk", Chinese people are "basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years". How do you comment on that?

A: We are shocked to hear the malicious attacks of CNN commentator Cafferty against the Chinese people and express our strong condemnation. Taking the advantage of the microphone in his hand, Cafferty vilified China and the Chinese people, seriously violated the ethics of journalism and human conscience. His arrogance, ignorance and hatred to the Chinese people have aroused indignation of the Chinese people at home and abroad, and will definitely be denounced by righteous people all over the world. We solemnly request CNN and Cafferty to take back the malicious remarks and apologize to all the Chinese people.

Q: I've got two questions. A survey by Financial Times shows that the Europeans view China as the biggest threat to the global stability. Do you have any comment? Secondly, Japan and Australia have voiced their rejection of the torch relay escorts, what's your response?

A: I don't think the survey you mentioned can represent the voice of the international community. China's development is peaceful in nature, and Chinese people love peace, pursue truth and uphold justice. This is well known to people worldwide. China is playing a responsible and constructive role in international affairs by actively making contribution to peace, stability and development of the entire international community through its own peaceful development. Our role is widely applauded by the international community.

With regard to the escorts of the Olympic torch relay, we have repeated on many occasions that this is in line with international practice, and has been approved by the IOC. As a matter of fact, similar measures had been taken in previous Olympic torch relays. We would like to stress once again that these escorts are not law enforcement personnel, but volunteers with clear and sacred mission of protecting the safety, sanctity and dignity of the Olympic torch. I believe they will fulfill their duties. We hope relevant countries will show full understanding and active cooperation in this regard. We also believe that relevant countries will provide effective protection for the smooth and safe relay of the Olympic torch, which belongs to people worldwide.

Q: Two questions. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is asking China to stop interfering with the press up to the Olympics. Did the IFJ talk with the Foreign Ministry, and how will China ensure journalists' freedom of report up to the Olympics? Secondly, "Amnesty International" issued a statement today, saying that China leads the world in death penalty. Have you read the report? And how do you comment on its demand for China to increase transparency of death penalty?

A: On your first question relating to the complaint by some journalists about some obstacle in their work, our position is very clear. The Chinese Government will continue to protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign journalists in China according to law. Meanwhile, we hope foreign journalists will abide by Chinese laws and regulations and display the objectiveness, justness and balance that they always acclaim so as to build up trust with the Chinese people.

As for covering the Olympics, we will continue to fulfill our commitment in bid