Announcement on doors
of a temple about
closing a night club

At a Shanghai Municipal Government news conference yesterday, spokesperson Jiao Yang gave a very detailed explanation in response to a Taiwan reporter's story, "Compelled by Shanghai Government to Close Down," which concerned a dining hall managed by a Taiwan businessman.

Jiao Yang indicated that she had already noted the interest of the Taiwan media in this matter. She said, "The closure of the Aluoha Dining Hall (The Dome), which is run by a businessman from Taiwan, involves a national minority and religion issue. According to the information we have, the Shanghai Municipal Nationality and Religious Affairs Committee terminated the lease that the Eastern Orthodox Church at 55 Xinle (literally "New Happiness") Road gave to the Aluoha Dining Hall because the bar and dining hall with music there have caused discontent among Eastern Orthodox believers here and abroad. They have made many suggestions to Shanghai City concerning these aspects of of the lease. To show respect to the religious feelings of Eastern Orthodox believers, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Ethnic and Religious Affairs suggested the end of the lease.

An Official issued a contract from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Ethnic and Religious Affairs explicitly stating that the provision rent for the Taiwanese businessman to carry providing for the economy is to be deferred.

This official also indicated that, the Taiwanese businessman is certainly to obtain the protection in Shanghai's legitimate rights and interestsand also certain to obtain respect as well.

Shanghai can strictly carry out the national correlation legal protection for the Taiwanese businessman and compatriots in Taiwan's benefit, and creates the good living conditions diligently for the compatriots in Taiwan and Shanghai.

It is reported, this matter already entered the judicial process at present, both parties expressed concern that there will be respect to the judicial organ on this final judgment matter. (Liu Li Tao)

Chinese news net on January 13, 2005