President of European Parliament meets with the DIIR Kalon
Friday, 9 May 2008, 10:00 a.m.
The European Parliament says China must engage in substantive discussions with representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
President |
Brussels: The President of the
European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pottering has met with Mrs Kesang Yangki
Takla, Kalon for the Department of Information and International
Relations.
Following the meeting, Mr Pottering said: “The European
Parliament has made it crystal clear to the Chinese authorities in our
resolution last month, and I repeat that demand now. China must
immediately begin substantive discussions leading to meaningful
negotiations, at an appropriately high level, with representatives of
the Dalai Lama.”
“I have now met the Dalai Lama three or four times and his
Kalon reconfirmed to me what he himself has always stated clearly: He
is not seeking independence for Tibet but autonomy within the Chinese
constitution to enable the Tibetan people to manage their own affairs
in the areas of religion, culture, social norms and environment. It is
on this basis that results-oriented talks should be opened,” he added.
Mr Pottering said: “My exchange of views with Kalon Takla was
an opportunity to hear details of the harsh conditions on the ground.
The continued restrictions imposed on the media are unacceptable. I
reiterate Parliament’s call on China to open up Tibet to media and
diplomats. There must also be an independent enquiry, under the
auspices of the United Nations, into the recent riots and repression in
Tibet.”
“I reassured Kalon Takla that the European Parliament is
looking forward to the visit of the Dalai Lama scheduled for 3 December
where he is invited to address a plenary sitting. The Dalai Lama is
welcome to come sooner if he so chooses,” he added.
