[....] For example, to take an area for which I am responsible as I am answering this debate, namely China, there is a very important human rights dimension and at the same time a broader China policy. You cannot simply solve that by saying that the human rights aspect should be dealt with by a Commissioner responsible for human rights. That would weaken the policy for human rights itself. It is only handling China as such that one can have the proper balance in handling things between a broader policy and a human rights policy. As far as I am concerned, the human rights policy is an integral part of China policy and not just an add-on that you could give to someone else. So that is not necessarily the most attractive solution although one can continue to reflect on it. Incidentally, Mr Dupuis referred to individual cases. I am not in a position to give a list of answers on individual cases. I am not sure that is the purpose of this debate but he happened to mention the Panchen Lama and I can only say that I

raised that matter myself at the highest level. I cannot pretend that I received a satisfactory answer. The mystery, I fear, remains. Reference has also been made to the delay between a project being suggested and it being taken up or implemented. The reasons are various. Sometimes it is because the idea is of such a general character that it needs to be worked up and that takes time. Sometimes it is because it raises controversial questions and you need to hear different people's views on whether it is a good idea or not. And sometimes it is because of the question of access to money for the particular project. Incidentally, I am not saying that in the Commission any more than in any other organization there are never failings of an administrative character. Of course there are sometimes. But it is useful to mention some of the broader factors that may lead to delays, annoying though they always are.