Tibetan lawmaker calls for frank dialogues with EU to eliminate misconception

Brussels -  Qiangba Puncog, chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of China's Tibet Autonomous Region, on Monday called for frank exchanges and dialogues with  the European Union (EU) so as to eliminate misconception about the region.

The Tibetan legislator, who leads a Chinese National People's Congress delegation to visit Belgium, made the remarks when meeting with members of the European Parliament and the  Belgian Parliament respectively.

In the 61 years since its peaceful liberation, Tibet has made significant achievements in its economic and social development, and has witnessed continuous improvement in the people's  livelihood, he said.

However, some politicians and common citizens in Europe still lack sufficient understanding of these achievements or even hold biased or misconceived views toward Tibet as a result of  endeavors by the Dalai Lama clique, which seeks to foster misconception about Tibet by distorting facts, the Tibetan lawmaker noted.

He said the delegation hoped to have frank exchanges of views and dialogues on issues of common concerns with members of the European Parliament and lawmakers from EU member  states, as well as those who are concerned over  Tibet's development, so as to enhance mutual understanding, eliminate misunderstanding, and promote the Sino-EU comprehensive  strategic partnership.

Qiangba Puncog also welcomed members of the European Parliament and the Belgian Parliament to visit Tibet.

During the meeting, Nirj Deva, chairman of the EU-China Friendship Group, acknowledged Tibet's economic, social and cultural development and the remarkable improvements of the  people's livelihood.

He urged the European Parliament and other European institutions to further push forward exchanges between the EU and China, in order to help the European people gain a  comprehensive and objective understanding of Tibet's history and its current situation.

Commenting on the recent self-immolations by Tibetan Buddhist monks, Deva said the act was in itself against Buddhist doctrines.

Crescenzio Rivellini, head of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with China, said the Chinese delegation's visit itself was a sign of sincerity and confidence on the Chinese  side.

He wished to enhance communication and exchanges with China's legislative bodies at various levels and all circles of the Chinese society.