EU asks China to conduct fair trial for Tibetan detainees

Saturday, 7 June 2008, 10:37 a.m.

Geneva: The European Union (EU) has said Friday it remains seriously concerned over the fate of Tibetans arrested in the aftermath of the March events and asks that they be treated in accordance with internationally recognized democratic principles (in particular fair trial).

"The EU welcomes the recent meeting between representatives of the Central Government of China and the Envoys of the Dalai Lama. The EU reiterates its call to enter into a substantive and constructive dialogue with a view to reaching a sustainable solution acceptable to all that would fully respect the Tibetan culture, religion and identity."

During a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the EU also calls for international access to Tibet, including by the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The EU would greatly welcome a visit to Tibet by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We [EU] believe that such an initiative could make a positive contribution to the on-going process and would call upon the Chinese government to accept and facilitate such a visit.

"We reiterate the principled EU' stance for cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the human rights mechanisms.

--Report filed by Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Tibet Bureau, Geneva