Geneva, 23 March - Mr. Joschka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister who addressed the 56th UN Commission on Human Rights yesterday afternoon called upon the China for "direct dialogue to be commenced with the Dalai Lama" and to "grant religious freedoms, in particular to bring an end to the suppression of the Tibetan culture and religion."

During the 15-minute speech to the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Fischer said: "In the People's Republic of China the major modernizing impetus has no doubt not only improved the economic situation but also legal certainty and personal freedom for many Chinese. It is thus all the more regrettable that human rights situation in China has not developed at all positively during the past year. The persecution and harassment of dissidents - political dissidents, members of Falun Gong and Christians groups, members of ethnic minorities, primarily Tibetans and Uighur - have again been on the increase last year. The suppression of freedom of expression, assembly, and religion, as well as other serious infringements of the rule of law, such as show trials, torture and imprisonment without due process are still in evidence today. It is particularly shocking that more people continue to be executed by China than by all other states of the world together. In 1998 alone 1769 people were put to death, according to figures from Amnesty International...We call on China:

- to put an end to the persecution of political dissidents and to release those imprisoned due to their political and religious beliefs, -to abolish the death penalty and other practices that are contrary to the rule of law, and to ratify and implement the two UN human rights covenants as soon as possible, - to grant religious freedoms, in particular to bring an end to the suppression of the Tibetan culture and religion, - we expect direct dialogue to be commenced with the Dalai Lama, - we expect the issues between Beijing and Taipei to be dealt with peacefully and constructively."

A few minutes later, the Swedish Foreign Minister, Ms. Anna Lindh addressed the Commission and referred to China and Tibet in these words: "Along with the EU dialogue with China, Sweden and China have a bilateral dialogue on human rights. We expect it to bring concrete and practical results. As an important element of this dialogue, Sweden has for many years organized training in the human rights field in China and stands prepared to deepen this co-operation further. China is reforming its legal system in a number of respects. However, continuing and widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms still prevail, and we are dismayed by the harassment and severe punishment of persons in China who are exercising their basic rights to assemble, or who are expressing views differing from the officials political thinking. In Tibet and other areas the situation as regards the freedom of religion has deteriorated further. The high number of death sentences carried out in China is another source of grave concern, especially since these trials often violate basic legal standards. Censorship of the press and restrictions on the use of the Internet are other examples of interference that are incompatible with basic human rights."

Yesterday afternoon when the debate on right to self-determination began, Dr. Michael van Walt delivered the first NGO statement which highlighted Tibet. The statement in conclusion asked the Commission to "insist that governments such as China cease their systematic oppression of self-determination movements and respond constructively to offer for negotiations. I mention Tibet in particular, because it is one of the oldest unresolved legitimate self-determination struggles, and one of the few that refuses to use violence as a method to obtain international attention and support. If this Commission does not muster the courage even to debate the issue, it will send a message to all self-determination movements, that the international community pays attention only when sufficient blood has been shed...It is a matter of conscience."

The statement read on behalf of Worldview International Foundation, an NGO based in Sri Lanka and Norway also said that China leaders today "have a unique opportunity to resolve peacefully a conflict which has caused suffering to the Tibetan people and embarrassment to China internationally for almost five decades. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled Head of State, has called for earnest negotiations with China's leaders to implement a genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the PRC. He has made it repeatedly and abundantly clear that he is not calling for Tibetan independence. China's refusal to negotiate terms for real autonomy with Tibet's leaders on baseless pretexts continues to cause tensions to rise in Tibet. China's attempt to crush the people's desire for freedom through brutal oppression, cultural genocide and the killing, imprisonment and frequent torture of all Tibetans who express support for the Dalia Lama's conciliatory demands, should be clearly and strongly denounced."

The Tibetan delegation is now joined by Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen and Dr. Michael van Walt.

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