World Tibet Network News Thursday, April 09, 1998

London: 2 April 1998 - As World Leaders assemble in London for ASEM II (the Asia Europe Meeting) a coalition of human rights organisations has organised an Alternative State Reception for the Unrepresented People of Asia. Calling for Peace, Freedom and Democracy in the Asia Region, the Reception will be held at the Royal Institution in Picaddilly on April 2nd, the eve of the Heads of State Meeting. The Reception will be hosted by Joanna Lumley and addressed by three Nobel Peace Laureates from the Asia region; speaking in person and through specially recorded video messages.

Jose Ramos-Horta, leader of the East Timor Resistance and co-winner of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize, will be present at the Reception:

"Human rights are not only a moral imperative. Human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are also the only real guarantee of peace and stability that are necessary for economic progress...As some of the richer and the poorer of the world meet in London this week, I know that, once again, my people's interests will be ignored, once again sacrificed on the altar of mercantile interest."

Fellow Nobel Laureate (1989) His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in a video message especially recorded for the Reception, urged openness and honesty in the West's dealings with China over their occupation of Tibet. China, Britain and the EU will hold summits on 2nd April.

"The lies and mistakes of the past should be settled clearly and in a friendly spirit. Concealing the truth about China and insincere flattery have no place. They will not help the image of China. The way to resolve these issues is with respect and sincerity. To quote two Tibetan expressions 'the closer the friend, the more faults he will point out' and 'one never hears praise and appreciation from a true friend'. Therefore, to be a true friend of China, mistakes must be pointed out sincerely. It is important that the world knows the truth."

Burmese Democracy Leader and Nobel Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who took great personal risk to record a message which was smuggled out of Burma said,

"I do not think that economic policies can succeed in the long run if they do not protect the rights of people; if they do not give people security....and besides, I am inclined to believe that a free and secure people have much more to contribute towards healthy trade relations than a repressed and insecure people. It is time everybody stopped trying to separate human rights from economics."

Joanna Lumley, who will host the reception referred to UK foreign policy saying:

"Last May the British people elected a government with an overwhelming mandate for change. Amongst those changes was the desire for a foreign policy we can be proud of - a policy which places those who are denied basic rights at the heart of every discussion and every decision. We hope the government uses the summit this week to show us the change we are all still waiting to see."

Other speakers at the event include Maitet Diokno (Philippines), Evelyn de Serrano (Philippines, speaking on gender issues) Tashi Phuntsog (Tibet) and Dr Thaung Htun, the representative of the exiled Burmese Government to the United Nations.

The dinner will be attended by Parliamentarians, activists from Europe and the Asia region and supporters.

On Saturday 4th April, there will be a vigil from 9am outside the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, where the Asia Europe Meeting is taking place. Thousands of demonstrators are expected to join a march which will leave Jubilee Gardens (SW1) at noon and progress through central London, past the Conference Centre to culminate in a rally in Trafalgar Square. The rally will be addressed by John Pilger.