摘要：

　　英国首相托尼-布莱尔日前也向伦敦唐人街华人协会致贺词，对英国华人社团表示新春的祝福。

　　British Prime Minister Tony Blair has sent out his message of congratulation on the forthcoming 2006 Chinese Lunar New Year Day, which falls on Jan. 29.

　　British Prime Minister Tony Blair has sent out his message of congratulation on the forthcoming 2006 Chinese Lunar New Year Day, which falls on Jan. 29.

　　In a recent message addressed to Chinatown Chinese Association in London, Blair said, "I am delighted to send my best wishes to the Chinese community for the New Year and to wish everyone happiness in the forthcoming Year of Dog."

　　Blair said that the festival has always been important to the Chinese community.

　　Traditionally, it marks the start of ploughing, planting and the earth coming back to life.

　　The celebrations, Blair said, now reach out well beyond the Chinese community and are shared and enjoyed by people from all backgrounds.

　　"The festival gives us all the chance both to reflect on the great contribution of the Chinese community to this country's success, prosperity and culture and how we all gain from the diversity of our society," the British prime minister said in the message.