The Tibet Interest Group (TIG) met for its monthly meeting yesterday at the European Parliament. Among other agendas the forthcoming EU-China Summit from June 2-3 was the main point of discussion. Besides the Chairman of TIG Thomas Mann, MEP Csaba Sogor and around 20 participants, mostly Assistants of MEPs, ICT staff, and staff of Office of Tibet, Brussels were present.
Representative Tashi Phuntsok drew the attention of the meeting towards the significance of the EU-China Summit under present international geo-political uncertainty and changing scenario. He believed that the EU vision and its protection and promotion are imperative. He recalled the sincere and dedicated appreciation of the EU vision by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Therefore, it was inevitable that EU should stand by its basic vision of human rights, rule of law, democracy and open society. He informed the meeting about his communication to President Donald Tusk, European Council, EP President Mr Tajani, European Commission’s President Mr Jean Claude Juncker and Ms Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Foreign Services of the European Commission urging them to raise the issue of Tibet with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
Mr Vincent Metten of ICT Brussels informed that 14 MEPs had signed a petition to review the human rights with China and 16 NGOs also added their voice on the grim human rights situation in China and that there would be a public demonstration in June 2.
Mr Thomas Mann voiced his opinion for the EU to stand up for the human rights and urged other MEPs to write to the President of the European Council and the High Representative.
Ms Zsuzsana Ferenczy and Ms Gyongver Forro gave a summary report on their mission to Dharamshala from 20 to 26 May, 2017. They applauded the Office of Tibet, Brussels for organizing the visit which was very successful and meaningful. While presenting their report they also showed many pictures of their visit to Dharamshala.
The proposed MEPs mission to Dharamsala from 18-24 September, 2017 was also discussed. Four MEPs had already enlisted. Mr Mann viewed that more MEPs would join the group in the due course. He said that such an EP mission is appropriate and the need of hour in view of the current international uncertainty and the prominent role of the EU.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels –