Experts on Thursday praised the book of Chinese President Xi Jinping's discourses on human rights and the important contribution of Chinese wisdom to global human rights governance at a reader's colloquium in Madrid, Spain.
The reader's colloquium on "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" brought together more than 80 participants from the political, economic and cultural sectors, including Chinese and Spanish experts, scholars and heads of social organizations.
Marta Montoro, vice president and director general of the Catedra China Foundation in Spain, said the book breaks many prejudices and misunderstandings about human rights issues in China from the outside world and is an important window for understanding China's view on human rights.
"Important figures like President Xi Jinping have always prioritized the protection of human rights, which sounds the alarm for all politicians and intellectuals and makes them understand that there can be no future in today's world if human rights are not fully respected," said Jose Luis Centella, President of Spain's Communist Party.
"As I mentioned in my speech, I think this book is very important for the international world to have a further understanding of China, including China's significant developments at all levels, not only in the economic aspect, but also in the social and human rights aspects," said Carlos Bielsa Martin, spokesperson for the Center for Studies and Work on the New Silk Road Association.
Spanish readers highly praise book of Xi's discourses on human rights
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
