The nation's top advisory body concluded its annual session yesterday with a resolution endorsing the government's plan to accelerate rural development and focus on social equity and stability.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee's resolution, summarizing the proposals and discussions at the 11-day meeting, also condemned Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian for scrapping a government body that sought eventual unification with the mainland.

Jia Qinglin, CPPCC chairman, called on fellow members to conduct more research and investigation; and offer advice on major issues concerning the nation's development and people's livelihood. "Our main task is to help promote the development of our country," he said.

Building a "new socialist countryside" was a key topic during the session; and the resolution said that in promoting rural development, governments at all levels should pursue different approaches to suit local conditions.

A "one size fits all" strategy should be avoided, the resolution said, reflecting some members' worries that simplistic solutions could lead to waste and inefficiency.

It said that issues affecting people's immediate needs including employment, health care, education and workplace safety merit special attention and should be tackled in earnest.

Containing secessionist forces and their activities aimed at "Taiwan independence" is also a priority, the resolution said.

It called for further effort from "all parties participating in the CPPCC and people from all walks of life" to attain peaceful and stable cross-Straits relations.

The document expressed CPPCC members' "strong indignation and serious concern" towards Chen's recent secessionist moves.

By abolishing the "national unification council" and the "national unification guidelines" last month, Chen was pursuing his aim of "de jure independence" of Taiwan, the resolution said.

"Our resolute determination to safeguard national sovereignty and territory integrity is unshakable'," it said.

(China Daily March 14, 2005)