Premier Wen Jiabao Friday called for promptly solving problems arising from the demolition of urban residential buildings and the expropriation of farmland, in his government work report delivered at the national legislature's annual session.

"When demolishing urban buildings and relocating their occupants, we must ensure that overall urban development plans and short-term construction plans are strictly followed, that the area to be demolished is defined reasonably, and that the examination and approval procedures are properly applied," the premier said.

Furthermore, he added, the government must improve the policy for compensating and relocating displaced inhabitants, and intensify oversight and inspection. When expropriating farmland, the government must strictly limit the area expropriated and follow the plan and proper procedures in accordance with the law.

"We must promptly give affected farmers reasonable compensation to ensure that their legitimate rights and interests are protected, " he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2004)