3 January 2002

Hon. John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0A6

Dear Minister,

I am very concerned about the activities of the staff of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ottawa and their consulate in Calgary. There have been serious breaches in diplomatic protocol and even activities which border on assault and harassment. I ask you to look into the following cases and to discipline those who have violated Canadian laws.

In February 2000 I was invited to a Chinese New Year's celebration hosted by Member of Parliament Sophie Leung in Room 200 of West Block in the House of Commons. I attended wearing clothing with statements regarding a free Tibet and an end to the repression of followers of Falun Dafa. Staff members of the People's Republic physically assaulted me in the House of Commons for wearing these slogans. They also tried to steal a camera away from a Canadian photo-journalist taking pictures of the event.

It was brought to my attention that a Calgary businessman became a target for harassment for his belief in Falun Dafa. The consulate has threatened his business associates and his family in China. Hate propaganda continues to be distributed about practitioners of Falun Gong in Calgary.

The latest assault of a student from the University of Ottawa by Embassy staff cannot go unanswered. This student was struck violently all over his body for taking a picture, at an event to which he was invited. I understand that this current incident is being investigated by the police, but the actions of the staff of the Embassy must be dealt with on a wider scale. Visitors to our country must obey the rules of this country; they cannot be allowed to flaunt our laws.

You yourself have stated in your speech to the OSCE on December 3rd that "...the struggle to keep our small planet on a path of greater openness, tolerance and inclusiveness -- as well as one of safety, security and respect for the rule of law -- has become a global priority. None of us, no nation and no international organization, can be neutral in this struggle." I would ask that you stand by your words and look at removing diplomatic privileges for those staff who have not respected the rule of law in Canada and to threaten withdrawal of Canada's delegation to the Beijing Olympic games. This is not the time for neutrality. I look forward to your prompt reply.

Sincerely,

Rob Anders, MPCalgary WestRA/dv

Posting date: 1/12/2002
Original article date: 1/3/2002
Category: Worldwide Support

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