Family of purged Chinese leader Zhao wants funeral on Saturday

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2005

BEIJING (AFP) — Family members of deposed Chinese leader Zhao Ziyang want his funeral to be held Saturday but are still wrangling with the government over arrangements, a daughter-in-law said.

"We do have some intention to see if we can do it in these days (Saturday or Sunday) but it hasn't been decided," Margaret Ren told AFP.

"As a family we think Saturday is OK," said Ren, adding that it was a day both the family and the government were aiming for.

"It's a sort of mutual agreement. ... Now it's in discussion. We're hoping that it can be decided soon," she said.

Zhao's nephew, who did not want to be named, said authorities were worried there would be a large turnout.

"The family wants to hold it on Saturday but the party central committee...