国内英语新闻:Premier Wen: No popular support for inciting radical moves by monks

BEIJING, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here Tuesday that any attempt to incite a small number of monks to take radical moves to undermine the stability in Tibet Autonomous Region is not in the development interests of Tibetan-inhabited areas or the interests of Tibetan people, and such an attempt has no popular support.

He made the remarks at a press conference with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso after they held the 14th China-EU leaders' meeting.

In response to a question concerning Tibet, Wen said Tibet practices regional ethnic autonomy.

"We pay close attention to protecting the ecological environment and traditional culture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, and we respect and protect the freedom of religious belief of Tibetan people," he added.

The Chinese government has long been committed to promoting economic and social development in Tibet, and has constantly increased support for development in that region, he said, adding the government has made a new plan to support development in Tibet, which is particularly aimed at improving the livelihood of local farmers and herdsmen.

Tibet is an inseparable part of China's territory, Wen said, adding that Tibetan compatriots are members of China's big family and "They are our brothers," Wen said.