The right path

“To the light of the Dalai Lama’s repeated requests to resume negotiations”, the government “will contact a personal representative of the Dalai Lama”. The formal tone of the note transmitted by Beijing’s government to New China news agency conveys a message of openness to Tibet’s population and to the entire world. Many observers did however express their skepticism and the words transmitted April 25 appear to be a delaying move or at the most an act of good will so as not to ruin Olympic Games celebrations. Indeed, existing problems between China and Tibet along with those regarding the respect of human rights and of fundamental freedoms within the Communist Country remain hanging issues. The gesture of Beijing. It is not by chance that the government chaired by premier Wen Jiabao issued this communication on the day in which the president of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso , is in Bejing. Both premier Jiabao and the president of the Popular Republic Hu Jintao, wish to release international pressure, aware of the fact that in view of the forthcoming Olympics, China – which is presently undergoing political, social and environmental contradictions, and which is an “awkward” protagonist of the international arena (Korea, Far East, Tibet and Himalayan region, Africa…) – will be in the world limelight. On his part, President Barroso, who had “reiterated EU’s position in Jiabao”, expressed his contentment over “the Chinese’s government’s availability to dialogue”. Many other European leaders, along with President Bush, displayed their interest and their satisfaction, although they are awaiting developments. Hesitating Europe. Tibet has been awaiting authentic true administrative autonomy along with cultural and religious freedom for decades. These requests had been expressed by the monks in the March protests which had extended to street marches which Beijing repressed inflicting violence and putting people in jail. The EU displayed a hesitating attitude over these issues. The 27 Member States refused to take a univocal stand on the boycott of the Games’ opening ceremony. The EU Parliament did however point the finger at the Chinese government which it urged – with April 10th Resolution – to immediately release those arrested in the past weeks, to open Tibet to foreigners and to journalists in particular, to respect human rights along with those of minorities. In effect, the second part of the Note issued by the Chinese government on April 25 confirms the long-standing “plot theory”, which shows Beijing’s unwillingness to dialogue. “It is to be hoped that in the consultations the Dalai Lama will make credible gestures to cease initiatives aimed at dividing China; that he will stop plotting and fomenting violence and that he will renounce sabotaging the Olympic Games.” These are totally ungrounded accusations. The testimony of Gyaltsen. “The right path is the one indicated by the Dalai Lama: peace, not violence, respect for all Tibetans and Chinese people”. Gyaltsen Drolkar spent 12 years in the prison of Drapchi; in the past days she was invited to Strasbourg’s Parliament to share her experience in Tibet. In her Country she suffered all forms of violence and abuse. But in conveying her story to Sir she never expressed resentment or feelings of revenge. “In 1990 I was demonstrating in Lhasa -Tibet’s capital city – for the respect of religious freedom and human rights”. The then 19-year-old Buddhist lama implored “respect for my people and for my land. But we were arrested by the police. After a summary trial, we were sentenced to 4 years in prison where we underwent tortures and interrogations. We were battered with kicks and belts every single day”. Drolkar added: “In jail we used to sing songs of peace. We stood trial again inside the prison and were sentenced to 8 more years. We thought we would never survive imprisonment”. “This was finally possible thanks to recent pressures by the international community”. Now Gyaltsen lives in Belgium where she took refuge. “I continue hoping in a future of peace and liberty. This is why I address my appeal to all the Countries and to Europe so that they may pressurize the Chinese authorities to help my people”. The reason for saying “yes” to the Olympics. Thomas Mann , German MEP, chairs the Parliament’s inter-group on Tibet: “We need Europe’s strong and univocal reaction. China needs to grant to this Country its cultural and economic independence, in full respect of its identity”, he declared. At the same time, the EU Parliament must open its doors to the Dalai Lama, in order to give voice to his people. Finally, we ought to support the regular prosecution of the Olympics in order to compel China, under the limelight of the international media, to implement respect for Tibet’s identity”.