Dutch premier tells China he's concerned about human rights

Dutch Prime Minister Jan-Peter BalkenendeAmsterdam - Dutch Prime Minister Jan-Peter Balkenende has told his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao he is concerned about human rights violations in China, Dutch newswire ANP reported Sunday.

"This issue should be discussed. I did it before, I have done it today and I will continue to do so in the future," the Dutch prime minister was quoted as saying.

Balkende said he discussed freedom of the press, the position of human rights activists, minority rights and the situation in Tibet.

He said his Chinese colleague said the issues ought to be discussed further. This may happen in late October, during the Dutch prime minister's official visit to China following the Asia summit.

Balkenende also told Wen Jaibao that the Dutch support a ceasefire between Georgia and Russia and a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Georgian breakaway province of South Ossetia.

Balkenende is paying a three-day visit to China to attend the Olympics. (dpa)

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