Tibetan Parlimentary & Policy Research Centre

Moderator: Michael van Walt

Michael van Walt: We must deal with the increased tensions in Tibet, Eastern Turkestan and Mongolia head on and challenge China to demonstrate that it can deal with these tensions through non-violent means. To raise issues at the UN is a useful exercise even when if it does not lead to success. These exercises are expensive for China, diplomatically and in terms of foreign aid expended to obtain political support. If we stop, it will be perceived as retreat and a sign of weakness. China will then move for more concessions. The recent situations in the German parliament shows that governments make decisions which are not based on the people's wishes, this should be pointed out.

Reports on the proceedings in the committee sessions were presented by the Moderators from the three workshops.

Discussion

Hon. Erkin Alptekin: On the issue of Eastern Turkestan, I do not want delegates to feel that they must support Eastern Turkestan. Tibetans, East-Turkestanis and Mongols work together through the Allied Committee. They share a long history and have many linguistic similarities. Before the people of Eastern Turkestan converted to Islam they were Buddhist. There is a danger that Eastern Turkestanis will turn to fundamentalist Islamic countries for support because of hostile attitudes by many Western nations regarding Muslims. This could be a danger for future Tibet. Support for Tibet is support for Eastern Turkestan.

Hon. Michael van Walt: There is a need for a stick and for a carrot. The stick is outside pressure. The carrot is understanding that crisis in "China" undermines China. Arguments must be developed to convince China that concessions are not a sign of loss of power. We should build on the Dalai Lama's argument that unity and stability are enhanced through negotiations. This is a carrot.

Hon. Zoltan Bretter: We will produce a country report on Hungary supports Tibetan culture with her boundaries.

Hon. Michael van Walt: There appears consensus that we must learn from past experiences of others and that we need to work a better network for parliamentarians.

The session adjourned