Statement by Chris Heaton-Harris: Member of the European Parliament

The Conservative Party has always been active within the EU in arguing that human rights abuses around the world should be unequivocally condemned and that serious economic engagement with China should be predicated upon major improvements in the country's human rights record.

Last year Conservatives in the European Parliament sponsored a Resolution on the human rights situation in China, and representations have been made by our Spokesman on Foreign Affairs to the Chinese authorities.

We have consistently been supportive of Falun Gong's campaign against [party name omitted] oppression, and are continuing to monitor the situation and take positive action wherever we can.

I therefore support today's event.

Back ground information:

Mr Christopher HEATON-HARRIS
Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, Member
European Parliament, Member
Committee on Culture, Youth, Education, the Media and Sport, Member
Committee on Budgetary Control, Member
Committee on Budgets, Substitute
Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Member

Statement by Mr. Roger Helmer: Member of the European Parliament

I am very glad to send my best wishes and support to the rally of the Falun Gong in Brussels on October 18th, and to express my strong opposition to the harsh treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in the PRC [People's Republic of China].

I am satisfied that Falun Gong is a peaceful organisation dedicated to positive and worthwhile objectives, and I do not accept the accusations of the Chinese government that Falun Gong is a subversive organisation, or that it seeks to "brainwash" its adherents. Historically, it has been communist and totalitarian governments, which have used the techniques of brainwashing.

The problem for the government of the PRC is that it is not prepared to tolerate any organisation in China not under its direct control.

I am happy to speak out in favour of religious freedom wherever it is threatened. The government of the PRC should halt its persecution of the Falun Gong. It should also halt its persecution of the people of Tibet, and of all other religious groups, including Christians.

The persecution of religious minorities in China is a very serious breach of fundamental human rights, and I call on the government of the PRC to cease and desist from this behaviour.

Back ground information:

Mr. Roger Helmer
Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats, Member
European Parliament, Member
Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy, Member
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, Substitute
Temporary committee on human genetics and other new technologies in modern medicine, Substitute
Delegation for relations with the Member States of ASEAN, South-east Asia and the Republic of Korea, Member