“The European Union must do its utmost for the protection of Tibetans human rights and fundamental freedoms”: Dr. Laima Andrikiene, MEP, EPP-ED, Lithuania
Dr. Laima Andrikiene, Member of the European Parliament, EPP-ED Coordinator in the Subcommittee on Human Rights, has strictly condemned the violence used by the Chinese authorities against Tibetan demonstrators in Tibet autonomous region.
Unrest in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet erupted on the fifth day of largely peaceful protests that began on the 10th March remembering the anniversary of a 1959 uprising against Chinese rule, and has already spread to nearby provinces. So far it claimed at least 80 lives, although the official Chinese sources speak about 10 victims.
“The Chinese government must refrain from any violence against Tibetan demonstrators and respect their rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of expression, assembly and religion”, – said Ms. Laima Andrikiene, MEP. She also stressed that the violence will only further worsen the situation in the region and urged to start a peaceful dialogue with the Tibetan community and find a peaceful long-term solution of the conflict.
“The European Union must do its utmost to foster a peaceful solution of the current situation in Tibet and get involved as much as possible in the solution of Tibet problem facilitating democratic transition, free and fair election in Tibet and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans”, – stressed Dr. Laima Andrikiene, MEP.
Laima Andrikienė (Lithuania) is a Member of the European Parliament’s Committees on Budgets, Foreign Affairs and the Subcommittee on Human Rights, and is Vice-Chair of the Baltic Europe Parliamentary Intergroup.
For further information: Ieva Staniulyte, Assistant to Ms Laima Andrikiene, MEP, Tel: +32 2 28 47858
