A draft regulation on the release of government information has been approved in principle by the State Council, China's cabinet, to promote government transparency.

The regulation has prescriptions on the range of government information, release methods and procedure, and supervision. It will be promulgated by the State Council for implementation after further amendments.

The release of government information will focus on issues of utmost importance to the public to safeguard the public's right to know, according to information from the State Council on Wednesday.

The regulation is viewed as a move by the government to improve efficiency and prevent abuses of power.

The State Council also approved the revised law on animal epidemic prevention on Wednesday, and it will be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or China's top legislature, for deliberation.

The revised law has more stipulations on animal epidemic alarms, recognition of epidemics and management of veterinarians.

The meeting was chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao.

(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2007)