20 March 2008 - Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas has added her voice to international calls for an end to violence in Chinese-occupied Tibet, and the recognition of Tibet’s right to self determination.

- Dr Lucas demands special EU envoy and independent human rights investigation

Commenting on recent events in Tibet, Dr Lucas said:

"People worldwide are appalled at the images of violence and repression we are seeing from Chinese-occupied Tibet, yet EU governments have been unforgivably timid in their responses.

"European leaders rightly condemn human rights abuses in Burma and Zimbabwe, and it is increasingly difficult not to conclude that the desire not to upset trading relations with China is persuading the West to put money before morality.

She continued: "I call upon our governments to use every possible political and diplomatic instrument to change China’s policy in Tibet. In particular, the EU should appoint a special envoy for Tibet, just as it has for Burma, and demand that China allows for an independent investigation into human rights violations.

"People supporting China’s hosting of the Olympics have argued that it gives us leverage to influence China on human rights. If that is the case, we need to use that lever and be prepared to boycott aspects of the Games unless China acts.

"The Chinese government must end human rights abuses, release political prisoners, and allow full media access within Tibet."

ENDS