ICT Europe: Publications
Tibet Update: E-newsletter for Parliamentarians in Europe, Edition 6
Edition 6, November 2004
With this sixth edition, Tibet Update celebrates its first anniversary of keeping you electronically updated on political responses to Tibet-related matters. Tibet Update is today circulated directly to over 250 parliamentarians and policy makers throughout the European Union.
This edition brings you up to date on the third visit of the Dalai Lama's envoys to China and Tibet and the subsequent international reaction. It also announces the World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet which is being hosted from 5-7 October 2005 in Rome by the Italian Parliamentary Group for Tibet.
We hope that this E-newsletter is acting as a valuable, bimonthly source of information for you about Tibet. Please continue to send your feedback and contributions to us at euroeditor@savetibet.org. Your parliamentary colleagues can also subscribe to this E-newsletter by emailing this address. Don't forget that previous editions of the Tibet Update can be viewed here.
- International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Europe, Amsterdam
Contents
European Initiatives
EU Troika Make Rare Visit To Tibet, 20-23 September
In September, the European Union undertook its first official trip to Tibet since 1998. The three-day visit was held immediately prior to the second round of the EU-China Bilateral Human Rights Dialogue for 2004, the 19th such round of talks between China and the EU.
The EU has reported that this round of talks saw greater openness from China's side in discussing human rights issues and cited that a "positive trend" can be seen from the discussions. Despite these developments, in October the EU's External Relations Council issued a statement which "concludes that there has been no progress in the respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities, in particular as regards religious freedom, and a continued erosion of minority culture, in particular in Tibet and Xinjiang. The Council deplores the continued widespread application of the death penalty as well as the persistence of torture, despite acknowledgement of this problem by the Chinese authorities. The overall assessment of developments shows a mixed picture of progress in some areas and continuing concerns in others".
World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet, 5-7 October 2005
Parliamentarians worldwide are invited to attend the 4th World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet (WPCT) which will be held in Rome from 5-7 October 2005. The WPCT will provide an opportunity for members of the 31 formal parliamentary groups for Tibet worldwide as well as individual parliamentary Tibet supporters to meet, exchange views and develop strategies to ensure an imminent negotiated solution to the issue of Tibet.
The last WPCT was last held in 1997 in Washington DC and hosted by the US House International Relations Committee and the Congress under the leadership of Senator Jesse Helms and Rep. Benjamin Gilman. The 4th WPCT is being hosted by the Italian Parliamentary Group for Tibet and will be inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. For more information, contact: Mr. Gianni Vernetti MP, President of the Italian Parliamentary Group for Tibet, vernetti_g@camera.it.
EU statement on the visit of the Dalai's Lama's envoys to China
The European Union in September issued a statement welcoming the third visit of representatives of the Dalai Lama to China since the resumption of contacts in September 2002. The US Department of State also issued a statement welcoming the visit, indicating that the "[US] President and the Secretary continue to discuss with Chinese leaders the need for substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to resolve longstanding differences".
Swiss interior minister calls for respect of human rights during Tibet visit
Switzerland's interior and culture minister, Mr. Pascal Couchepin, who in October visited Tibet as part of a week-long official trip to China, has called on the Chinese authorities to respect human rights in Tibet. "Experience shows us that a balanced development can only exist if all aspects of a human being are respected, including religious rights," Mr. Couchepin said.
Mr. Couchepin signed a memorandum of understanding on the restoration of the 7th Century Ramoche temple, which was severely damaged during China's Cultural Revolution. The Swiss will contribute SFr 200,000 (130,000 euros) to the building's restoration on the basis that the work is carried out by Tibetans, using ancient techniques that conform to rules set by UNESCO; and that the project will be overseen by a Swiss expert, Amy Heller. The project is a collaboration between the Swiss foreign and justice ministries and has the approval of both the Chinese authorities and the Tibetan religious authorities. It is also the first time that Beijing has authorised a foreign government to undertake work to preserve Tibetan heritage.
German Green Party Adopt Resolution on Tibet
The German Green Party Congress in October adopted a resolution on Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a popular Tibetan Buddhist leader who has been sentenced to death (refer to Take Action! below), and the situation of Tibet. The strongly-worded resolution was adopted unanimously with five abstentions. Point 3 of the resolution urges China to meet its "promises of applying fundamental principles of the rule of law, and to respect human rights in Tibet, up to the Olympic Games in 2008. The arms embargo against China may not, under any circumstances, be lifted during this time."
The European Parliamentarian, Mr. Milan Horacek, has committed to putting the resolution before the Human Rights Committee of the EP in the near future.
Italian Parliamentary Group for Tibet Visit Dharamsala
A five-member delegation from the Italian Parliamentary Group for Tibet visited Dharamsala in September to discuss with the Tibetan exile leadership "common initiatives" and assess the current situation of human rights in Tibet. In recent years, the 160-member Italian Parliamentary Group for Tibet, led by Mr. Gianni Vernetti MP, has worked to ensure the Italian Parliament voices its concern for Tibet through various resolutions and actions.
Dutch Parliamentarians Urge for Appointment of EU Special Representative for Tibet
Dutch parliamentarians in July questioned their Foreign Minister, Mr. Bernard Bot, about the appointment of an EU Special Representative for Tibet and the actions his government will take, as EU Presidency, on behalf of Tibet. Mr. Bot responded that there is currently limited support for Tibet within the EU and that the Dutch Presidency will urge China for a continuation and deepening of Sino-Tibetan dialogue.
Take Action!
Reestablish and Join EP Tibet Intergroup
The newly elected European Parliament has a historic opportunity to help resolve one of the most outstanding injustices of modern times. Europe's National Parliaments too have an important role to play in ensuring a peaceful resolution to long-standing issue of Tibet.
Take Action:
- MEPs: Reestablish and join the new EP Intergroup for Tibet; be a visible and vocal member.
- National MPs: Mobilize your colleagues to join your national Intergroup for Tibet and to take action for Tibet.
- Follow-up on previously passed national and EP resolutions, including the recommendation to invite the Dalai Lama once again to address the EP in Strasbourg
- Work with national parliamentarians and EU officials to develop a common, holistic and effective strategy to press Beijing on dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, including the high-level appointment of an EU Special Representative for Tibet with a mandate appropriate to helping move the Tibet issue to swift resolution.
Retain the EU's Arms Embargo
The issue of whether to lift the EU's arms embargo on weapons sales to China has reached a critical stage. At the GAC meeting in October, the EU had not finalized its decision on whether to lift the embargo. ICT Europe holds that human rights must be the key consideration in any EU decision to lift the embargo and that the situation on the ground has not improved significantly enough for this to happen. Changing the EU's arms policy at this stage would see the EU project an erroneous and dangerous impression of there being a problem-free human rights situation in China and Tibet. Indeed, a number of protesters from the Tiananmen pro-democracy protests remain imprisoned for expressing their political beliefs.
Dutch Foreign Minister, Mr. Bernard Bot, recently said that a final decision was unlikely to come until after the next EU-China Summit, which will take place in the Netherlands on 8 December 2004.
Take Action:
- Initiate and/or support efforts in your Parliament to encourage your government to maintain the arms embargo and make representations to EU partners to do the same.
Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Faces Imminent Execution!
Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, an influential Buddhist leader from Kardze in eastern Tibet, was sentenced to death on 2 December 2002 - his life now hangs in the balance. It is unclear whether the two-year reprieve of Tenzin Delek's death sentence will end on 2 December or the anniversary of when his appeal was rejected by the Chinese courts - on 26 January. Help secure his immediate release, the release of other related detainees and ensure there is a relaxation of political control in Kardze, Kham (Sichuan Province).
Take Action:
- Urge your government to make strong appeals to China for Tenzin Delek's release.
- Initiate initiatives and/or follow-up on initiatives taken in your Parliament to raise aware of Tenzin Delek's situation and of the repressive political control taking place in Kardze.
>> Read more
Non-European Action
China Briefs Australia on Dalai Lama Envoys' Visit
Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang has said on October 21, 2004 that he has briefed the Australian Government on the talks with envoys of the Dalai Lama. Minister Shen is leading the Chinese delegation to participate in the annual bilateral human rights dialogue with Australia held on October 21, Xinhua reported.
US Assistant Secretary visits Tibetan Refugee Reception Centre
The US Assistant Secretary of States for Population, Refugees and Migration, Mr. Arthur Dewey, visited the Tibetan refugee Reception Centre in Kathmandu during his October visit to Nepal and India.
Mr. Dewey's visit was made to assess the situation of Tibetan refugees and to promote the protection and assistance of Tibetan refugees who reside in or transit through Nepal to India. In 2004, the US government provided some $10.24 million to UNCHR, ICRC, the Tibet Fund and other organizations to assist refugees and conflict victims in South Asia.
Australian Greens Adopt Policy on Tibet
In July, the Australian Greens adopted a comprehensive policy on Tibet which condemns the illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China and supports the Tibetan people's right to self-determination. Australia's then-Federal Member for Cunningham, Mr. Michael Organ, who sponsored the policy, urged political parties throughout Australia to adopt a similar position in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Indian Parliamentary Delegation visit Dharamsala
An Indian parliamentary delegation comprising of MPs from both the Indian houses of parliament visited Dharamsala in September. The delegation met with Kalon Samdhong Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, his Kashag (cabinet) ministers, and also called on the Dalai Lama. The delegation visited the newly-arrived refugees from Tibet at the Tibetan Reception Centre and various non-governmental organisations of the Tibetan exile community.
United States Calls for Dialogue on Tibet Without Preconditions
The United States has said it continues to press for "a dialogue without preconditions" to resolve the Tibetan issue. In its "Report on Tibet Negotiations" submitted to Congress on June 23, 2004, it said, "The lack of resolution of these problems leads to greater tensions inside China and will be a stumbling block to fuller political and economic engagement with the United States and other nations."
Tibet News in Brief
Dalai Lama's Envoys Have "Most Extensive and Serious" Discussions with Chinese Leaders
A delegation of Tibetans in exile representing the Dalai Lama made its third trip to China and Tibet in the past two years. The Dalai Lama's Envoy Lodi Gyari said that during his recent meetings with Chinese leaders he had the "most extensive and serious exchange of views on matters relating to Tibet."
Dalai Lama Says Contact With Beijing Will Take Time for Breakthrough
The Dalai Lama has said that he is not expecting any immediate breakthrough from the renewed direct contact with Beijing as the Tibetan issue is complicated. In an interview with Time magazine (published in its October 25, 2004 issue), he, however, added, "meeting face to face is very, very important." The Dalai Lama also talked about the future of Tibet and commented on the feeling that China was waiting for him to pass away.
UNICEF Chief Gets First Hand Look at Health and Education Deficit in Tibet
The Executive Director of UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), Carol Bellamy, who completed a two-day inspection trip to Tibet on August 31, has said that much work needs to be done to improve the health and education of women and children to catch up with the situation in China.
Refugees Flee Tibet as Disaffection for China Continues to Grow
In October, two large groups of Tibetans escaping Chinese-controlled Tibet were arrested by Nepalese security forces in Solukhumbu, in northern Nepal, for not having valid travel documents. Both the group of 27 and of 23 Tibetans were attempting to reach Dharamsala in India, the residence of the Dalai Lama and base of the Tibetan community-in-exile. Each year, some 2500 Tibetan asylum seekers travel by foot over the Himalayas to India via Nepal.
While the Nepalese government usually hands over Tibetans asylum seekers to the UN High Commission for Refugees in Kathmandu, there have been instances of the detainees being jailed until they could pay visa fees and the fine imposed on illegal travelers. In one incident last year that triggered international outrage, the government handed over a group of refuge seekers to the Chinese authorities, reportedly after pressure exerted by Beijing, which has stepped up its assistance to Nepal.
Situation for Tibetan Refugees in Nepal Remains Unstable, New Report Finds
A new report from the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) finds that the overall situation for Tibetan refugees transiting through and living in Nepal continued to deteriorate in 2003, despite the promulgation of a new written refugee policy by the Nepalese government.
New Crackdown on Tibetan Buddhism Underway by Chinese Authorities, According to Major New Study
A major new report released by the International Campaign for Tibet reveals the increasing threat to the survival of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet. 'When the Sky Fell to Earth: the New Crackdown on Buddhism in Tibet' documents the rise in repression of religion in Tibet that is a direct result of China's economic policies and strategic objectives.
Countdown Begins for China to Be a Responsible Olympic Host
As the 28th Olympics near conclusion in Athens, Greece, the International Campaign for Tibet recognizes that a countdown to Beijing is beginning and calls on the Chinese government to reverse repressive policies toward Tibetans and show that it intends to be a responsible host for the 2008 Olympics.
UNESCO warns China to look after Forbidden City and Potala Palace
UNESCO has warned China more care must be taken of the famous Forbidden City and Tibet's Potala Palace and it plans to re-examine whether they should be put on its danger list, an official said Tuesday.
Important Dates
2004
| 25, 26 November: | Third Asia-Europe Meeting for Directors General responsible for asylum and immigration affairs, The Hague |
| 2 December: | Two-year anniversary of when Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was sentenced to death. |
| 7 December: | European Tibet Support Group "Group 25" Meeting, Amsterdam |
| 8 December: | EU-China Summit, The Hague |
| 9, 10 December: | 6th Annual EU Human Rights Discussion Forum on the Implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, The Hague. |
2005
| 1 January: | Luxembourg takes over the EU Presidency from The Netherlands. |
| 26 January: | Two-year anniversary of when Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's appeal was rejected. |
| 5-7 October 2005: | World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet, Rome |
