(Please act as soon as possible!)

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 just prior to Prince Philippe'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 are willing to trade these values for economic interests.

Free Tibet Campaign calls on Karel De Gucht, Minister for Foreign Affairs in Brussels to publicly apologise and to immediately rectify his decision.

TAKE ACTION

1. Call, email or fax the Foreign Ministry in Brussels and the Embassy of Belgium and protest against the Belgian Government's action. Urge Mr Karel De Gucht to publicly apologise and to immediately rectify the government's decision.

   Karel De Gucht - Minister for Foreign Affairs
   Tel: +32 (0)2 501 85 91
   Fax: +32 (0)2 511 63 85
   Email: kab.bz@diplobel.fed.be
   Salutation: Dear Minister

   Ambassador Jean-Michel Veranneman
   Embassy of Belgium (in London)
   Tel: 020 7470 3700
   Fax: 020 7470 3795 / 3710
   Email: london@diplobel.be
   Salutation: Dear Ambassador

    

2. Call and email your MP and urge him or her to publicly criticise the Belgian Government's decision. You can call House of Commons Information Office on 020 7219 4272 quoting your postcode if you do not know who your MP is. You can also leave a message to your MP for free viawww.writetothem.com.