News

2nd June 2004

John Bowis meets the Dalai Lama

John Bowis - Conservative Member of the European Parliament for London - called on the Governments of the European Union to support the appointment of a Special Representative for Tibet as the United States has done. John Bowis met the Dalai Lama during a meeting in the House of Commons, addressed by the exiled leader on 28th May.

John Bowis, Group Spokesman on Human Rights, member of the Parliament's Development & Human Rights Committee and European Parliament representative on the Tibet Inter-group, on the British Parliament's All Party Committee for Tibet, said: "I very much regret that the idea of a Special Representative for Tibet has been blocked by a majority of Members of the Council of Ministers."

"Some time ago the United States appointed such a Special representative, which gave a clear sign they are watching Chinese policy and expecting progress towards Autonomy for Tibet and an end to repression. European governments should do so too."

"My hope now is with the Dutch Presidency, which starts in July. The Netherlands is the one country that has taken a lead, with the Dutch Parliament voting for this appointment. Pressure from European and National Parliaments and from people across Europe can persuade governments and give real encouragement to the people of Tibet".