President of European Parliament meets with the DIIR Kalon

The European Parliament says China must engage in substantive discussions with representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pottering (R) meets Kalon Kesang Yangkyi Takla, (L) Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations, in Brussels, Belgium, 8 May 2008

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.