World Tibet Network News Monday, February 23, 1998

Press Release, February 23rd 1998

Free Tibet Campaign and the June 4th China Support Group today expressed profound regret that the European Union, under the British Presidency, has reversed its previous policy and will not table or support a draft resolution at the next United Nations Commission on Human Rights. This decision, which is likely to be seen as an important victory by China, prevents any EU member state from unilaterally tabling or supporting a resolution.

The statement, issued following today's EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Brussels, said that the decision by the Council that neither the Presidency nor any any other member state should table or co-sponsor a resolution had been made in view of "the first encouraging results of EU-China human rights dialogue."

"The decision to take no action against China within the UN undermines the Commission's role whilst showing just how effective China has been in silencing criticism of its human rights record through threats of economic action." said Alison Reynolds and Philip Baker, speaking for Free Tibet Campaign and the June 4th China Support Group. "We are by no means opposed to dialogue, but have as yet detected no tangible results which would justify the withdrawal of the use of the mechanism of a Resolution at the United Nations. This move is particularly disappointing given the British Government's apparent commitment to an ethical foreign policy."

For more information, contact: Free Tibet Campaign

Alison Reynolds, Director. 0171 359 7573 or mobile 0411 086261

June 4th China Support Group

Philip Baker, 0171 242 2642.

Dr Susan Whitfield, 0171 403 6080.