HRWF Int'l (30.03.2008) - On 26 March, the European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session partly devoted to the situation in Tibet. The participants discussed the protests occurring presently in Tibet and the possibility of boycotting the forthcoming Olympic Games in China.

Mr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, president of the European Parliament, opened the discussion by stressing that the EP has -for many years- stood up for the protection of human rights in Tibet and for a constructive dialogue between the Dalai Lama and China. He pointed out that the EP supports human dignity and freedom of religious identity. Therefore it condemns every form of violence and the death of peaceful individuals. He added that the EP "expresses its solidarity with the Dalai Lama and disapproves his demonisation". He also stated that the Dalai Lama is welcome to come to the European Parliament at any time. Finally Mr. Pöttering argued that he wants the Olympic Games to be a success, but the respect of the cultural and religious identity of the Tibetan people is above all. He said that he would personally attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing, but he did not urge the MEPs to do the same if the Chinese leadership does not seek dialogue and compromise.

Mr. Janez Lenarčič, member of the Council, first mentioned all the meetings and discussions between China and the EU since the beginning of the unrest in Tibet. Then he stressed that there is a need for a continuation of this open dialogue and the Chinese government should provide further clarifications about the violent situation in Tibet. He called the Chinese authorities to show respect for human rights in Tibet and especially for freedom of religion and for the right to peaceful protest. He also mentioned that the international media should be granted access to Tibet and the Chinese government should not put national security above human rights. Mr. Lenarčič was finally against the boycotting of the Olympic Games, because he believed that they can help promote human rights.

Commissioner Ms. Benita Ferrero-Walder stated that the European Commission is deeply concerned about the unrest, the violence and the number of victims in Tibet. She stressed that violence is never acceptable and she asked the Chinese authorities to exercise maximum restraint and to give up the use force. Peaceful protesters should not be disturbed, she said. In addition she called for free access of the independent media in Tibet. She hoped that foreign media will soon be able to monitor the situation without restriction. Furthermore Ms. Ferrero-Walder pointed out that the European Commission supports the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of China, but human rights violations can not be accepted. The latter is matter of international concern and not only an internal one. Concluding Ms Ferrero-Walder said the Olympic Games are not a political event, therefore it should be carried out in respect of the values it represents, while a substantive dialogue between the Dalai Lama and China should immediately begin.

MEP József Szájer (EEP-ED/Hungary) stressed that his political group demands the end of the violence in Tibet and the beginning of a constructive dialogue. They will also be very pleased to welcome the Dalai Lama at the EP. Concerning the Olympic Games, Mr. Szájer said that they are a symbol of peace, a human creation promoting values; therefore he believed that they should not boycott the Games and put this huge event at risk.

MEP Christiana Muscardini (UEN/Italy) stressed that a new age started after the recognition of human rights and China has already spoken of giving rise to a "harmonious society". The reality however is different, she said. The Chinese refuse to have a constructive dialogue with the Tibetans and the Olympic Games can only take place if commitments about the protection of human rights are made.

MEP Daniel Cohn-Bendit (Greens/EFA) said that the Olympic Games have become the "Olympics of indifference", allowing human rights to be violated. He argued that if we allow the Olympic Games to take place in a state under dictatorship, it is a political act and the EU should definitely avoid going to the opening ceremony. "We do not want our athletes to have blood on their feet", he said.

MEP Vittorio Agnoletto (GUE-NGL/Italy) underlined that it is not only the Olympic Games that we should focus on, but also the trade agreements with China. Millions of people in China are working in western companies but their human rights abuses continue being tolerated for the sake of global trade.

MEP Charles Tannock (EEP-ED/UK) supported the boycott of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, while he called the reaction of the West concerning similar situations in Taiwan and Kosovo hypocritical.

MEP Josef Pinior (PES/Poland) stated that the EP should call on Chinese authorities to stop the violence in Tibet and to give access to independent monitors. Constructive dialogue between the Dalai Lama and China is also of urgent need, he said.

MEP Dirk Sterckx (ALDE/Belgium) argued that the EP should object to the violations of human rights and send its Delegation in Beijing to Tibet in order to help find a solution to the current situation.

MEP Edward McMillan-Scott (EEP-ED/UK) said that "the Olympic spirit died in the streets of Tibet". He stressed that everyone should consider what kind of principles the Olympic Games are supposed to represent and if these principles will be applied during the Olympic Games in China.

By Katerina Liakopoulou for Human Rights Without Frontiers

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