After former Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang’s death on Jan. 17, many people inside and outside of China have expressed their condolences. Zhao’s daughter, Wang Yannan, (original name Zhao Liang) and son-in-law, Wang Zhihua, told The Epoch Times that a farewell ceremony will take place on Jan. 29.

The Wangs thanked the public for their concern over the family’s situation. They said that within Zhao’s family, there were dissenting opinions on how to handle the government’s evaluation of Zhao’s life. Although they disagree with the government’s position, they agreed to a farewell ceremony due to two reasons: Emotionally, they hope that Zhao could rest in peace soon; the political situation in China also does not give them much choice. However, they reiterated that they do not agree with the government’s position. They think that in the common people’s hearts, they have drawn an evaluation for Zhao. History will eventually draw a just conclusion.

The Wangs said that because the entire farewell ceremony will be hosted by the CCP, they are not sure what will be said during the ceremony, whether there would be official announcements, and if so, by which agency. The farewell ceremony’s attendants are decided by the CCP, so the Wangs are not sure who will be there. They hope that Bao Tong, Zhao’s former adviser, can attend. They are certain that Zhao will not be buried in the burial ground for national leaders at Babaoshan National Cemetery in Beijing.

Following are parts of an interview with Wang Nannan and Wang Zhihua.

The Epoch Times (ET): Many overseas people are paying close attention to Zhao’s treatment. They hope that the government can give him a just evaluation, but the situation doesn’t look good.

Wang Nannan: I am grateful for the concerns of these overseas people. Because of the situation in China, it’s not appropriate for me to say anything. My family and I both think that the common people and history will eventually draw a just conclusion on this matter. Right now my situation doesn’t allow me to tell you what we really think.

ET: Perhaps if everyone keeps trying together, there will be a good ending.

Wang Nannan: I thank you and hope you can relay my thanks to all the people who’ve expressed concern. It’s true we disagree with the government. It’s just that we hope that my father can rest in peace sooner.

ET: I heard that there will be a farewell ceremony on Saturday, but no memorial service.

Wang Zhihua: Yes.

ET: Was this something you readily agreed with, or were you forced to agree to it?

Wang Zhihua: I think this is a like a going-away ceremony. We don’t feel pressured. I also like the word “farewell.” I think it sounds good, and is very human. This is how we feel—to say goodbye to our father.

ET: But is this without a fair evaluation? Many people think that Zhao is a former national leader, and his title should be noted. There should be a formal, solemn memorial service appropriate for a national leader.

Wang Zhihua: This farewell ceremony was not organized by our family, so we cannot decide this matter.

ET: We heard that a while ago the Zhao family was negotiating with the government. Many people overseas hope that Zhao can have a formal memorial service and receive just evaluation from the government. We think the Zhao family was seeking for the same thing. We assumed that you were forced to accept the arrangement of a farewell ceremony.

Wang Zhihua: This matter is probably different here in China and abroad. Abroad you can host any activity according to your will, but here it’s not quite possible. In addition, in the entire process, we were mostly concerned with our father. We didn’t think of too many other things.

ET: We’ve heard that Xinhua News Agency will publish a biography afterwards. Is that true?

Wang Zhihua: We don’t know. Again, this was organized by the party, and we don’t know what will be published, by whom, or of what content.

ET: Do you think attention from the international community has any impact?

Wang Zhihua: Of course we’re very grateful to everyone who’s concerned about this matter. I think in the future, a lot of people will continue to show their concern. We are very grateful. I believe all of this makes a difference. Although a lot of things are imperfect, we don’t want our father to stay in the morgue alone for too long. This is our perspective.