Brussels, 17/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - Concerned by restrictions to the expression of the Tibetan culture, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on the Chinese authorities on 14 December to ensure that the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Tibetans are respected “including their rights to enjoy their own culture, to practise their own religion and to use their own language”. She recalled the EU's respect for the territorial integrity of China. Ashton also called on the authorities to respect the rights of Tibetans to peaceful assembly and expression, to act with restraint, and to release all individuals detained for taking part in peaceful demonstrations.
Stating that the EU is profoundly saddened by the growing number of Tibetans committing self-immolation, Ashton called on the authorities “to address the deep-rooted causes of the frustration of the Tibetan people”. While the EU recognises the intense sense of despair of the Tibetans, it called on them to refrain from resorting to extreme forms of protest and it called on their religious leaders and community “to use their influence to help stop this tragic loss of life”.
The EU encourages all parties concerned to resume a meaningful dialogue. (CG/transl.fl)