A draft regulation on the prevention of geological disasters was passed Wednesday at an executive meeting of the State Council.  

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao presided over the meeting.

The meeting placed great importance on the draft regulation, saying that it is essential to better prevent geological disasters, such as landslides, minimize the damage, protect people's lives and property and develop the country in a sustainable way.

The draft regulation will be issued by the State Council after further amendments.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2003)