Chinese PM urges Cambridge University to forgive shoe thrower
China National News
Monday 9th February, 2009
(ANI)
Beijing, Feb 9 : Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has asked Cambridge University to forgive the student who threw a shoe at him during his speech on February 2.
A Foreign Ministry press release quoted Chinese Ambassador to UK, Fu Ying as saying : "I would like to convey the following from Premier Wen: Education is the best help for a young student. It is hoped the university will give the student an opportunity to continue his studies."
"As a Chinese saying goes, it is more precious than gold for a young person to turn around and redress mistakes," Fu added.
"It is hoped this student will see his mistake and seek to understand a real and developing China," China Daily quoted Fu as saying.
"From the words and actions of this student, it could be seen how he lacks knowledge about China. It has also affected the image and reputation of Cambridge in China," Fu added.
Martin Jahnke, 27, a student in pathology from Germany, threw a shoe at Premier Wen and yelled towards the end of his lecture.
Jahnke was charged with disorderly conduct.
On February 4, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown personally apologized to Wen for the incident in a letter, while the Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University visited Fu Ying in London last Friday to offer a formal apology.
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