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BELGIUM REFUSES VISA TO DALAI LAMA

9 May 2007

Belgium refuses entry to the Dalai Lama

[London] Belgium has prevented the Dalai Lama from applying for a
visa following massive pressure from the Chinese Government. The
Dalai Lama was due to appear in Brussels before 300 delegates from
around the world at the 5th International Conference of Tibet Support
Groups from 11 to 14 May 2007.

It is reported that Belgium's decision has come prior to Prince
Philip's upcoming trade meetings with Chinese counterparts.

"It is shameful that the Belgian government, a state member of the EU
and a country with a long democratic tradition is willing to
sacrifice its own values and take orders from a repressive regime. It
is a worrying sign that democratic governments who are meant to
protect human rights, freedom and justice, easily trade these values
for economic interests," said Yael Weisz-Rind, Director of Free Tibet Campaign.

Free Tibet Campaign urges the Foreign Ministry in Brussels to
publicly apologise and to immediately rectify their decision.

Chaiwallah adds: Please take this opportunity to write to the Belgian Embassy in your country

Most certainly will do!

Thanks for your support.

Here is the Belgian Foreign Minister's Response.

>Dear Sir/Madam,
>
>Thank you for your e-mail.
>
>In response, I would like to inform you of the following:
>
>The Dalai Lama is a religious leader who is highly respected in Belgium.
>He is always welcome here and has paid several visits to our country
>already, the latest occasion being in 2006.
>
>The Chinese Embassy was informed of his visit on 5 April and immediately
>issued a negative response.
>
>Nonetheless, on 14 April a visa was issued by the Belgian Embassy in New
>Delhi, entitling the Dalai Lama to enter Belgium. That visa is still
>valid.
>
>It was entirely the Dalai Lama's decision to call off the visit. His
>approach has always entailed avoiding any negative impact on the
>external bilateral relations of friendly countries.
>
>We respect his decision, and reiterate that he remains welcome to visit
>Belgium.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Karel De Gucht