Resolution on Tibet

The European Parliament adopted by 66 votes to 0, with no abstentions, a resolution on Tibet.

The resolution was tabled by the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL and UEN groups.

The resolution recalls that on 30 September 2006 more than 70 Tibetans were attempting to cross the glaciated Nangpa Pass in the Himalayan region of Tibet, approximately two hours’ walk from the Nepalese border, in order to seek refugee status in Nepal. Against the rule of international law the Chinese People's Armed Police Force (PAP) fired upon those unarmed Tibetan civilians, who included women and children.

The Parliament condemns the excessive use of force by the Chinese People's Armed Police Force in firing upon unarmed Tibetan civilians, including children. It urges the Chinese authorities to guarantee that the Tibetans detained during the incident will not be ill-treated in detention and that international human rights and humanitarian law standards are being respected. It also urges the Chinese authorities to release immediately all children detained following the incident.

The Parliament calls on the Council and the Commission to reiterate their position that only dialogue between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the representatives of the Dalai Lama can contribute to a peaceful and sustainable settlement for Tibet that both sides agree upon. It calls on the Government of the People's Republic of China to continue its dialogue with the representatives of the Dalai Lama in order to improve respect for religious, cultural, linguistic and political rights in the Tibet Autonomous Region.