Delegation of the EPTI Expresses their Support for Tibet
Friday, 3 March 2006, 11:30 AM
Dharamshala (TibetNet): At a press conference held this morning at the Department of Information and International Relations Hall, a delegation of the European Parliament Tibet Inter-group (EPTI) expressed their firm support for the autonomy of Tibet and they are resolute in raising voice against the human rights situation in Tibet, the empowerment of women and their concern for the unique environment of Tibet.
Mr. Thomas Mann, president of the EPTI briefed the media on the Tibet Inter-group and the resolutions it has helped pass in favour of Tibet since its foundation in 1989. He reaffirmed the EPTI’s commitment to support the just cause of Tibet and peaceful struggle of the Tibetan people.
Other speakers were Mrs. Lissy Groner and Mrs Evelin Lichtenberger, vice-presidents of the EPTI, Mrs. Gabriela Reichert, secretary of the Tibet Inter-group and Mrs. Piia-Noorqa Kauppi, member of the Tibet Inter-group.
They mentioned that they became clear about the autonomy of Tibet after an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 2 March.
Appreciating the fifth round of talks, they said that the ongoing dialogue process is the basis for future Tibet. They believe the real negotiations at the highest political level like the Kalon Tripa of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China is the only pragmatic way to resolve the issue of Tibet.
At the end, the floor was opened for a question-and-answer session.
The EPTI was founded in 1989 by M. Michel Herve to create opportunities to discuss among members of the European Parliament (MEP) the situation in Tibet and to provide information on Tibet for their colleagues and the general public.
Since 1999 the Tibet Inter-group has organised more than 49 meetings mainly during the plenary sessions of the European Parliament in Strasbourg and has tabled 35 resolutions since its foundation.
The delegation comprises of 11 members of the European Parliament and a list of 20 aides to the members of the EPTI.
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