Brussels, 10/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution on the situation in Tibet adopted on Thursday 10 April, the European Parliament “firmly condemns the repression by the Chinese security forces against Tibetan demonstrators” and calls for an independent inquiry into these riots under the auspices of the United Nations. During plenary debate at the end of March, MEPs had taken a unanimous stance for a peaceful solution to the troubles in Tibet and for respect of human rights and minorities in China (EUROPE 9629). In their resolution, approved by 580 votes to 24 and 45 abstentions, they point to the attitude of the Dalai Lama, who urged the Tibetan population to protest peacefully and non-violently, not demanding Tibetan independence but a compromise solution. This should allow “a constructive dialogue to be opened without preconditions with a view to reaching a comprehensive political agreement, including a sustainable solution with regard to the cultural and political autonomy of Tibet and religious freedom and true minority rights for the Tibetan people in other neighbouring Chinese provinces”, they say, welcoming the fact that the Dalai Lama is coming to Parliament at the end of the year.
In particular, the EP calls on the Chinese government to ensure appropriate medical care for Tibetans who are injured and legal assistance for those who have been arrested. Their number is difficult to evaluate but there is talk of over 140 killed during the riots (about 20 dead and 660 injured according to the Chinese authorities) and over one thousand arrests. The EP stresses that the Chinese authorities are opening Tibet up to foreign media and to diplomats, in particular representatives of the European Union. It goes on to call for the “release of all journalists, internet users and cyber-dissidents detained in China for exercising their right to information”, and to release Hu Jia in particular.
The Chinese authorities are invited not to exploit in an abusive manner the holding of the Olympic Games 2008 in order to prevent the demonstration by dissidents, journalists, human rights activists or athletes of their political opinions that differ from those officially held by the government. The Chinese government should respect its public commitments on human rights taken at the time of the decision to allow the Olympic Games to be held in China, the EP adds, concluding by saying that the Slovenian EU Presidency should “strive to find a common EU position with regard the attendance of the heads of state and government and the EU high representative at the Olympic Games opening ceremony, with the option of non-attendance in the event that there is no resumption of dialogue between the Chinese authorities and HH the Dalai Lama”. The EP calls on the Council to closely follow events, to ensure cohesion of the EU's common position and application of decisions taken, and to appoint a special envoy responsible for promoting dialogue between the parties. (A.B.)