Legal Materials on Tibet
European Parliament

European Parliament Resolution on Human Rights in Tibet (1989) [p.296]

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

STRASBOURG, MARCH 15, 1989

In a Joint Motion for a Resolution on Human Rights in Tibet

The European Parliament,

A) having regard to recent demonstrations in Tibet at which the Chinese security forces opened fire and numbers of people were killed and many others injured,

B) having regard to the fact that on 7 March China declared martial law in Tibet, so that all demonstrations, petitions and public meeting have been outlawed,

C) noting further that all foreigners and journalists have been expelled,

D) believing that the conflict in Tibet should not be resolved by force,

E) noting the Chinese Government's change of policy in relation to Tibet in the 1980s by which they tolerate Buddhism, and have re-opened some monasteries, but religious teaching and the study of Buddhist philosophy is severely restricted,

1) Strongly condemns the violent repressive measures and in particular the use of arms, which have taken place in the Tibetan capital, and calls for the lifting of martial law;

2) Deplores the loss of life resulting from these disturbances and expresses its deepest sympathies with the families affected;

3) Urges the Government of the People's Republic of China to now hold the postponed discussions on the future of Tibet with the Dalai Lama;

4) Calls for a resumption of talks between all parties concerned and calls on the Chinese Government to resume a conciliatory policy towards Tibet which will respect the autonomous status of this region within the framework of Chinese constitutional practice;

5) Requests the Foreign Ministers of the Twelve and Commission to use their good offices with the parties concerned to promote a just solution to the problems of Tibet;

6) Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Foreign Ministers meeting in European Political Cooperation, the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama.


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