Among the main conclusions we can claim so far, I would like to mention the following points which represent, in my opinion, the most important elements on which we shall reflect in order to suggest development cooperation projects and ideas: Tibet has been characterised by a high level of investments by the central government, mainly on infrastructures and subsidies Tibet suffers from a heavy dependence on the central government funding for its development and we could not see the presence of a long term development model aiming at increasing Tibetan economic autonomy There is a high level of discrepancy between urban and rural areas. This can be source of tensions, with the Han Chinese tending to be more present in the more developed urban areas and Tibetans predominating in the poorer rural areas of the region. The Delegation's concerns about the degree of participation of Tibetans in the region's economic development were strongly highlighted on several occasions during our mission. China, as a key global player, has to take on stronger responsibilities in terms of opening up its culture and values. At the same time, the Tibetan culture, which I believe is a strong one, needs to be dynamic in adapting to continuous development which is an undeniable characteristic of our globalised world. It is crucial, for a genuine and comprehensive development of Tibet, to seriously invest in the human capital and in a higher degree of participation of the Tibetans in society. This first and very synthetic analysis is the result of our meetings with several representatives of the TAR local government, members of international and local NGOs and civil society organisations, as well as our direct perception and understanding that was only possible due to the fact that we visited Lhasa with our own eyes. I would like to conclude addressing our institutional interlocutors and the press in particular, by calling upon their sense of responsibility towards public opinion. To those who could not attend our press conference on 18 September and to those who were not able to fairly listen to and discuss with us the reality of a region that needs to be visited and analysed directly, on the basis of a factfinding approach far from any pre-existing prejudice. I firmly believe that the Committee can help improve the situation of people and societies, in terms of human and socio-economic development which cannot be separated from any concern related to the protection of fundamental rights. And this is the reason why we decided to make this visit and start up this difficult work in Tibet. Mario SEPI EESC President Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 99 – 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel – BELGIQUE/BELGIË Tel. +32 25469396 – Fax +32 25469764 E-mail: press@eesc.europa.eu – Internet: www.eesc.europa.eu