Left-wing think tank Zminijietna yesterday said it disagreed with the boycott by European heads of state from attending the Olympic Games’ opening ceremonies, declaring its stand against Tibetan independence.
“Europe has its institutions, from which political positions can be channelled,” the group said, while expressing its support for Tibetan self-determination “as an autonomous region within China.”
It said the same position was reserved for Kosovars, Kurds, Basques “and others”.
The group said it supports talks between Tibetan representatives and the Chinese government aimed at ensuring Tibetan autonomy and the protection of its cultural identity in a united China
“We note that not even the Dalai Lama himself is asking for independence of Tibet. The breaking up of states is not something which should be automatically supported at all costs, as this can lead to further tension around the world. What we support is international solidarity across borders. However, we can never support a call for a return to a feudal past whereby the majority of people were serfs. In any case, such a call is cut off from the reality of modern Tibet.”
The group said the defence of human rights in Tibet and China should be treated consistently – but omitted to condemn the human rights violations in China itself.
“If certain governments had to put respect for human rights first, they would have included human rights clauses in trade agreements with China. Currently, 24 million people in China are employed by western companies.”