World Tibet Network News Friday, February 20, 1998

South China Morning Post

18 February 1998

The European Union is checking a report that the mainland has given a visa for Tibet to a worker for a London-based aid group.

A visa would clear the way for a long-delayed EU aid project for the region, European Commission Vice-President Leon Brittan said.

Beijing had refused to allow a British citizen from the Save the Children Found to obtain a visa to go to Tibet to work on the US$8.3 million (HK$64.15 million) irrigation, health and education project, EU officials said last year.

The aid worker, whose name has not been released, had previously worked in Tibet.

"We were told the worker concerned has been given a long-term visa. We are checking on that.

"If it is the case, and if the Save the Children Fund is able and ready to participate in the project, it will go ahead," Mr Brittan said.

He is visiting Beijing for talks, and plans to visit EU projects based in Yunnan province.