WASHINGTON, July 25 Kyodo A Democ...

WASHINGTON, July 25 Kyodo

A Democrat introduced a resolution Wednesday to the House of Representatives alleging that China is pressuring officials in the United States to withdraw support for Falun Gong a denomination that is outlawed in China.

The resolution introduced according to Lynn Woolsey from California calls for the Chinese sway to ''immediately stop interfering'' in the exercise of religious and political freedoms in the US

''Many local and national media organizations have reported that other local officials across the United States, including mayors of several major cities, have been pressur according to Chinese consular officials to recant statements of support for the Falun Gong'' it says.

The resolution cites an incident in November 2000 after the mayor of Saratoga, California -- Stan Bogosian -- issued a proclamation honoring Falun Gong members in his community.

''Mr Bogosian was given a note from the Chinese consul in San Francisco that vehemently urged Mr. Bogosian to retract his support for local Falun Gong activities,'' the resolution says.

Woolsey's pres secretary, Susannah Cernojevich, said debate upon the resolution in the House would probably take place when Congres recommences in September.

''In a democratic nation that values clear speech and freedom of religion, this action by means of the Chinese government is unacceptable,'' Woolsey said Tuesday ahead of proposing the resolution.

Woolsey said many local leaders have an incentive to cooperate with the Chinese direction in order to continue international trade relationships.

''But we must not abandon our values to fill our put up with books,'' she said.

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