2008-06-24 11:39:01

Wu Bangguo (C), chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, presides over the third session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress opened Tuesday in Beijing, capital of China, June 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, June 24, 2008 -- China's top legislature Tuesday listened to a report, delivered by the State Council, the Cabinet, on the disaster relief and reconstruction after the devastating May 12 earthquake struck southwestern Sichuan Province.

The third session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), which opened in Beijing Tuesday, was presided over by Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

Lawmakers taking part in the session will also deliberate the draft law on state-owned assets of enterprises, the draft law on the recycling economy, and a draft amendment to the Fire Control Law.

During the session, lawmakers will also deliberate a draft plan for an adjustment to the central budget for 2008, tabled by the State Council.

Four international pacts are due to be ratified during the session: the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; the Treaty on Long-term Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation among the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); a treaty with Algeria on judicial assistance on criminal cases; and an extradition treaty with Algeria.

They will also review a report tabled by the NPC Credentials Committee and the proposal of appointment and dismiss of government officials.

The third session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) is opened in Beijing, capital of China, June 24, 2008. The session was presided over by Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee. (Xinhua Photo)