12. Mar 2009
European Parliament urges China to negotiate
(Europarl) In a resolution adopted by MEPs to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, the Chinese Government is urged to resume talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives with a view to "positive, meaningful change in Tibet", not ruling out autonomy for the region, a solution that MEPs believe need not compromise China's territorial integrity. In its key demand, Parliament urges the Chinese Government "to consider the Memorandum for Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People of November 2008 as a basis for substantive discussion leading towards positive, meaningful change in Tibet, consistent with the principles outlined in the Constitution and laws of the People's Republic of China". The resolution calls on the EU Council Presidency to adopt a declaration on the same lines. The resolution was adopted by 338 votes to 131 with 14 abstentions.