A Russian edition of the book titled "My Father Mao Zedong" was published in Beijing Friday.  

Li Min, 66, author of the book and daughter of the late Chinese leader, expressed her heartfelt thanks to all those who had contributed to the publication.

The publication marked the 110th anniversary of Mao Zedong's birth on Dec. 26, 1893. He passed away on Sep. 9, 1976.

Russian Ambassador to China Igor A. Rogachev, who met Mao several times as a prestigious interpreter for the former Soviet Union, attended the publishing ceremony and said the book would be popular among Russian readers.

Late Chairman Mao Zedong is an eminent figure with great influence in Russia, a Russian embassy official said, predicting the book would help Russians better understand the great man.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2003)