Beijing Declaration calls for spread of EsperantoThe 89th International Esperanto Conference concluded in Beijing on July 31. A declaration praised China's support for the Esperanto campaign and appealed all countries to introduce Esperanto to their education system. Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said at the closing ceremony that the Beijing Declaration, which opposes linguistic discrimination and safeguards linguistic equality, set up a new landmark for international Esperanto campaign. He said the successful conference would further promote the spread of Esperanto in China and all over the world. Renato Corsetti, president of the Universal Esperanto Association (UEA), appreciated the support given by the Chinese government to Esperanto campaign and China's preparations for this conference. Yu Tao, secretary-general of All-China Esperanto League, read a congratulation letter to mark the 100th anniversary of birth of Ba Jin, a famous Chinese writer, as well as an active Esperanto supporter. Vice Mayor of Beijing Sun Anmin and Chairwoman of All-China Esperanto League Tan Xiuzhu transferred the conference flag to president of the Lithuanian Esperanto Association and mayor of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, which will host the next conference. Yu Tao was elected to be one of the UEA's seven-member leadership at this conference. Yu is the first Chinese ever elected. The 89th International Esperanto Conference opened on July 25 in Beijing, attracting more than 2,000 Esperanto speakers and experts from over 50 countries and regions. Source: Xinhua |
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