13 December 2007
European resolution on China
(Guardian; CNW; RWB; Europarl) The European Parliament resolution on the EU-China Summit and the EU/China human rights dialogue has criticised Beijing for not addressing its human rights record, particularly in Tibet. It also said human rights concerns should receive much more focus in the buildup to the Beijing Olympic Games. The resolution expressed regret that the sixth Sino-Tibetan round of talks has brought about no results and called on the parties to make every effort in order to continue the dialogue. It reiterated its concern over continuing human rights violations and the intensification of the 'patriotic education' campaign in Tibetan areas and has called upon China to allow an independent body to have access to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. In a separate development, European Parliament Vice-President Edward McMillan-Scott wrote to International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge on 10 December urging him to remind the Chinese authorities of the promises they made to improve human rights in 2001 in order to win the 2008 games. He added that the European Parliament would consider boycotting the games if the situation had not improved by Christmas.