Senior official meets Chernobyl teen delegation

BEIJING - State Councilor Liu Yandong on Friday met with a delegation made up of Ukrainian teenagers who have been affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The delegation, consisting of about 200 teenagers and accompanying adults, is on a seven-day trip to China for rehabilitation and recreation at the invitation of President Hu Jintao.

Liu said teenagers shoulder the historical responsibility of developing bilateral relations, as they represent the future of their respective countries.

She said she believes the visit will further cement bilateral ties and people-to-people relations.

The delegation will visit several historical and cultural sites and participate in various activities during the trip.

The Chernobyl disaster, the worst nuclear accident in history, occurred in April 1986, when the Chernobyl nuclear plant experienced a near-meltdown and subsequently caught fire. The disaster has affected over 2 million Ukrainians, leaving many with cancer, leukemia and other ailments.