Bowles Condemns China as Chopel Visits

6.23.00pm GMT Wed 26th Mar 2008

Sharon Bowles MEP for South East England condemned the Chinese government following the visit to the European Parliament of Karma Chopel, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile.

Mr Chopel is Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile which is the highest legislative body of the Tibetan refugee community. The Parliament-in-Exile is charged with matters relating to Tibetan refugees and has responsibility of keeping the question of Tibet alive.

Mr Chopel's visit follows weeks of violence where demonstrations have been brutally suppressed by the Chinese government. The Dalai Lama has blamed the violence on 'cultural genocide' against the Tibetan race which has involved forced abortion, sterilization of Tibetan women and the transfer of low income Chinese citizens. A media blackout has denied access to western journalists and has led to fears of extensive human rights violations.

Commenting, Sharon Bowles said:

"China has been afforded a great honour in hosting the 2008 Olympics and this must be reflected in its human rights record. Denying journalists access to Tibet only adds credence to widespread reports of brutality from the authorities and is a shameful precursor to this summer's games."

"The visit of Karma Chopel is a timely reminder of our duty as Western politicians to ensure that pressure is exerted on the Chinese authorities to uphold international standards of human rights."

"I therefore support the proposal for an independent commission under the authority of the United Nations to investigate the recent violence. I also urge China to commit to peaceful negotiations with the Dalai Lama and cease policies which threaten the survival of Tibetan culture."

ENDS