Published by: THE WORLD UYGHUR NETWORK NEWS October 7, 1997

Voice of America, 10/3/97, by Lisa Schlein

This is the first time China has allowed members of what is called the "UN working group on arbitrary detention" to conduct an investigation in that country. UN human rights organization spokesman, John Mills:

"During the visit, the team will meet authorities, various authorities, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and will look at the implementation of the (China's) revised criminal procedure. It will visit tribunals, police stations and places of detention. It will have the opportunity to interview in private people it chooses, who are in detention."

Western countries and some human rights organizations allege that China has imprisoned hundreds of people because of their political beliefs. China rejects these charges as groundless and has accused the West of interfering in its internal affairs.

This visit by the two human rights experts is only the third time China has given any UN investigators permission to enter the country. Observers here in geneva speculate this might indicate a willingness on the part of China for closer cooperation with the UN. however, Mr.Mills says the investigators will not be allowed to roam about freely.

"It's normal in these situations that there would be perhaps an official accompanying them. The key issue here is whether or not the interviews it undertakes can be in private. And, I understand the interviews will be in private. If I am to be very specific about this, we are taking with us, the team is taking with them two united nations interpreters."

UN spokesman John Mills says the investigation team's itinerary, which has been approved by chinese authorities, is the result of negotiations. The team will submit a report on its findings to the UN human rights commission next year.