To: AllPolitics
From: Carol Cratty/CNN
In: Washington
Posted: 2-26-97

Subject: White House Urges China Human Rights Initiatives

White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry says it would be a "welcome development" if China agrees to sign two international human rights covenants.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman in Beijing said Thursday China is considering joining the accords. McCurry was asked if China signs up would the U.S. be less likely to press for censure of China at the U.N. Human rights Commission in Geneva.

His response non-committal: "We would consider that development in connection with any action with Geneva. But our concerns about human rights would certainly continue and would certainly continue to be an aspect of our presentations as we exchange views with the Chinese side."