P6_TA(2008)0119 Tibet European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on Tibet The European Parliament, – having regard to its earlier resolutions on China and on Tibet, in particular on: (a) the dialogue between the Chinese Government and Envoys of the Dalai Lama (15 February 2007)1, (b) the EU-China Summit and the EU/China human rights dialogue (13 December 2007)2, (c) EU-China relations (7 September 2006)3, (d) the functioning of the human rights dialogues and consultations on human rights with third countries (6 September 2007)4, – having regard to Rule 103(4) of its Rules of Procedure, A. whereas the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising against the Chinese administration led to major demonstrations by Tibetan monks and nuns and ordinary Tibetan citizens protesting against Chinese repression, B. whereas, according to the Chinese authorities, 20 people died in the protests; whereas, according to other sources, more than 140 Tibetans died in those clashes, and dozens of others have been arrested, C. whereas a state of emergency has been declared by the Chinese Government, and shops and temples have been closed in Lhasa, as well as in other cities, with hundreds of armed police officers and army troops moved to Tibet from the rest of China, D. whereas His Holiness the Dalai Lama has called this Chinese over-reaction 'cultural genocide', and has at the same time urged Tibetans 'to practise non-violence and not waver from this path, however serious the situation might be' 5 whereas His Holiness the Dalai Lama has not demanded Tibetan independence but has instead proposed a middle way of genuine cultural and political autonomy and religious freedom, thereby expressing a view that is supported by the European Parliament, E. whereas only peaceful means and sincere dialogue can lead to a lasting settlement, 1 2 3 4 5 OJ C 287 E, 29.11.2007, p. 554 Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0622. JO C 305 E, 14.12.2006, p. 219. Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0381. Statement issued on 6 April 2008.