January 20, 1997

NGO calls for project to be abandoned

According to recent reports the European Commission is allowing the Chinese government to sweep aside safeguards, which ensure that benefits accrue to local Tibetans, in its multi-million pound development project for the region.

A revised proposal for the Panam 'Integrated Rural Development Project' is close to being signed following negotiations between the European Commission and the Chinese government.

It is reported that the European Commission has conceded to Chinese pressure to eliminate guarantees that Tibetan people will be the sole beneficiaries of the project. The Chinese have also demanded that foreign Non-Governmental Organisations be excluded from involvement. Without participation of NGOs with direct experience, the project is vulnerable to manipulation by the Chinese authorities.

Free Tibet Campaign believes that in light of these recent reports the EC does not have sufficient control of this project and it should be abandoned. Glenys Kinnock, MEP and member of the European Parliament's Development Committee said: "If the project is to benefit local Tibetans, it is essential that foreign experts who have a track record of working in the field are involved."

The Panam project has been suspended for two years following a campaign by Free Tibet Campaign and public outcry. The project was criticised by European parliamentarians as being 'politically insensitive' and based on a 'laughable' and 'haphazard' consultation process.

The European Parliament passed a resolution in May 1995 condemning the project, stating that it was 'against the interests of the Tibetan people' as it was a crucial part of the Chinese plan to bring more Chinese settlers into Tibet. The resolution went on to demand that the European Commission make the granting of aid to China 'conditional on respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, particularly in Tibet.'

A further resolution was passed in December 1995 calling for the Commission not to proceed with the project until the Panchen Lama, chosen by the Dalai Lama, is accepted by the Chinese government. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the seven year old Tibetan boy recognised by the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, remains detained by the Chinese government.

The UK Overseas Development Administration demanded new conditions be imposed on the project before it continues. These included the participation of Tibetans in all project decision making, ensuring Tibetans are employed on the project and the establishment of a project monitoring unit.

Contact: Paul Golding on 0171 359 7573.

Free Tibet Campaign

(formerly known as Tibet Support Group.UK)

9 Islington Green, London N1 2XH

Phone 44 (0)171 359 7573

Fax 44 (0)171 354 1026

e.mail: tibetsupport@gn.apc.org