The All-China Journalists Association published a letter on Thursday lauding reporters who were covering the snow-related disasters in the central and southern provinces.

A "people's war" against these disasters was being fought under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, the letter said.

It praised journalists for their active participation in the anti-snow campaign and timely, accurate reports. The reporters had to overcome many difficulties, including transport problems and the lack of power and water in many areas, according to the letter.

The letter ended with a festive greeting to journalists for the upcoming Spring Festival, the traditional Lunar New Year, which falls on February 7.

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2008)