During an inspection visit to the State Administration of Religious Affairs on Friday, Zhu said the management of religious affairs has always been an important part of the overall work of both the Communist Party of China and the government.

Thanking the administration staff for the good job they had done in the past, Zhu said harmony between believers and non-believers and unity and stability within religious circles, have created favorable conditions for China's reform and modernization drive.

He stressed that the nation's policy -- that people enjoy freedom of religious beliefs -- should be properly implemented, and that religious affairs should be handled according to law.

While protecting the legal activities of religious followers, illegal religious activities must be stopped and crimes committed must be punished, Zhu said. Chinese religions' fine tradition of patriotism and service to society should be further encouraged to reinforce the unity of the nation.

The premier called on governments at all levels to support the work related to religious affairs and help all religious believers overcome difficulties in their daily lives so they can contribute to the development and prosperity of the country.

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2003)