Published by: World Tibet Network News Tuesday, December 16, 1997

Edited/Distributed by HURINet - The Human Rights Information Network

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## author : Tony.Robinson@eurosocialist.be.btmail.com

## date : 16.12.97

Labour Euro MP Glenys Kinnock today called for a six million pound Euro project in Tibet to be frozen because of Chinese obstruction.

Mrs Kinnock claimed NGOs have been unable to work in Tibet because of Chinese intransigence.

The Panam project was first suspended in January 1995 following European Parliament criticism led by Mrs Kinnock that it would encourage intensive wheat production to feed Chinese settlers in Tibet. It was also criticised for lack of consultation with local people and lack of involvement of experienced NGOs.

The project was given a go ahead only on condition that a full environmental impact assessment be made, that local people be consulted and that NGOs be directly involved in its implementation.

Said Mrs Kinnock: 'The Parliament has always been categorical that NGOs must be involved in Panam. We must have independent people on the ground who can ensure that it is the Tibetan people who benefit from this project.

'I have met with Sir Leon Brittan many times about this project and in a recent letter he told me that the role of NGOs would be 'enshrined in the implementation of the project.' If these reports are correct, it seems that the Chinese authorities will simply not let this happen.

'Save the Children were the only remaining NGO likely to participate -- hardly a situation which 'enshrined' the role of NGOs. It now appears from these reports that even their involvement is in doubt as a result of Chinese obstruction.

'It is self-evident that you cannot work on a project if they simply won't let you in. Either the Chinese relent or the EU steps back and looks again at the project.'

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