K. Chopel (L) and M. Pannella at the European Parliament

TIBET. RADICALS: RE-LAUNCH OF WORLD SATYAGRAHA FOR PEACE, FREEDOM AND RIGHTS WITH KARMA CHOPEL

March 26, 2008: “Our hope is that European leaders don't compromise morality and the lives of innocent people for economics.” This appeal was launched by the President of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Karma Chopel, at a press conference at the European Parliament with Marco Cappato and Marco Pannella (Radicals), Monica Frassoni (Greens) and Pasqualina Napoletano (Sd).
Chopel’s visit to the EP was by invitation of the ALDE group and the Radical Europarliamentarians. The Tibetan exponent wanted to make a series of requests, in particular the formation of an independent international inquest into Tibet. The inquest would verify the situation, in view of China’s accusations against the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people for everything that is happening.”
“If it has been done with full awareness then it really has reached the moment to stand up for the legitimate rights of the Tibetan people,” Chopel stated. He reinforced that he is against a boycott of the Olympic Games, agreeing with the position that the Dalai Lama has taken in the last few days.
“We are looking to make an agreement,” the Tibetan leader said. However it is possible “only if the Chinese leaders are open to a compromise.”
Regarding the clashes in Tibet, Karma said as of yesterday there were 135 confirmed deaths, around 400 people arrested and more than a thousand wounded. He added that “these are approximate figures because it is truly difficult to get information from Tibet. The figures might also be ten times higher than the confirmed number.”
“The situation is an emergency and it is extremely urgent, the Tibetan people are suffering many murders and massacres.”
Radical leader Marco Pannella said: “Today we welcome Karma Chopel, President of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, as part of the first World Satyagraha for Peace, Rights and Freedom. The Satyagraha also includes the significant victory in 2007: the Universal Moratorium against the Death Penalty. With Karma Chopel we continue to conceive and put into action the fundamental part of the Satyagraha that concerns the freedom of the Tibetan people and the other Chinese populations under the motto "Free Tibet, Free China."
Marco Cappato said that “this is an occasion to express very concrete and political support for the Dalai Lama and his attempt at dialogue with China to obtain true autonomy for Tibet, thanks to the strength of truth and non violence. The Olympic Games can be used for this as well!” (Sources: ANSA, radicali.it, 26/03/2008)