Special Report: 17th CPC National Congress

    BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympics have boosted the country's human rights development and improved the welfare of the people, an official in charge of the Games' organization said on Friday.

    The quality of the lives and environment of the Chinese people, Beijingers in particular, have been improved tremendously during the preparation process, said Liu Jingmin, vice-mayor of Beijing and executive vice-president of the Beijing Olympics organizing committee.

    "We've also involved people from all walks of life in our preparations of the Games, and solicited their ideas in designing the Beijing Olympic emblem, mascots, theme and venues," Liu said at a press briefing on the sideline of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

    A comprehensive survey is held every six months to adjust and improve the organizers' work at public's will and suggestion, he said.

    "To honor our commitments to the International Olympic Committee, we've also issued regulations to open the Games and its preparations to foreign journalists," Liu said.

    "Preparations for the Games have been going along with China's development, and the rights of the people have been protected and improved in this process," he added.