The World - News from Sept. 1, 1989

China came under formal U.N. criticism for the first time over its suppression of pro-democracy demonstrators in June. A U.N. human rights panel adopted a draft resolution which, though worded mildly to improve its chances of passage, put pressure on Beijing and appealed for clemency for those detained. The document said the panel was “concerned about the events which took place recently in China and about their consequences in the field of human rights.” The U.N. Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities voted 15 to 9 in favor of the resolution. U.N. Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar has expressed sadness at the use of force as troops suppressed the student-led movement June 3-4. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people were killed.