World-wide Concerns of Government Officials over the Events in Iceland

"As an original participating State in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Iceland has established itself as a consistent voice in support of democracy and human rights. Against this backdrop, the government directive instructing the national airline, IcelandAir, to cancel the tickets of Falun Gong members intending to protest Mr. Zemin's policies is particularly disturbing.

Consequently, I call upon your government to lift the ban immediately and allow individuals to travel as planned or have tickets fully refunded if the travel date has already passed. While I understand your concerns on providing adequate security for President Zemin, the Falun Gong movement has a long track record of peaceful demonstrations. I urge you not to discriminate against individuals who may be members of Falun Gong."

- Chris Smith , U.S. Congressman, Co-chair of US OSCE, June 12, 2002

"Iceland has a well-deserved reputation as a free and open society, dedicated to the enlightened principles of religious toleration and democracy. I know that you share my belief that every attempt should be made to allow dissenting viewpoints to be heard and peaceful protests to take place. Any security concerns must be carefully balanced against the basic rights provided in a democratic society.

With these important values in mind, I am confident that a resolution can be found to allow for peaceable protest during the visit of Jiang Zemin... "

- Jon S. Corzine, U.S. Senator, June 12, 2002

"Today I was informed that all Chinese passport holders and Taiwanese passport holders are not allowed to enter Iceland during Jiang Zemin's visit in Iceland between 12th to 18th of June. More than 30 to 40 people, both Chinese and European citizens, have been detained at the airport. This terrifying step of the Chinese government, putting pressure on the European countries, has surprised a lot of governments and European citizens because they are not only violating the Chinese law and human rights but also the European and international laws and human rights.

We kindly request you to reconsider this measures taken because we consider them as a serious breach of Human rights. "

- Nelly Maes, MEP, President of the European Free Alliance, June 12, 2002

"I am concerned about the existence of any such policy as it raises serious issues relating to compliance with Human Rights obligations and International Law.

I would be obliged if you could please clarify the position of the Icelandic Goverment in regard to this issue and provide your assurance the otherwise lawful entry of Chinese citizens will not be obstructed by external political influences coinciding with the visit of Jiang Zemin. "

- Roger Helmer, MEP, June 12, 2002

"... I was particularly surprised by the information I received concerning the refusal to grant entry to citizens of the European Union and third-country nationals who aimed to promote respect for human rights, in accordance with democratic principles....

For the last couple of years, the Chinese government has pursued a systematic persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Thousands of innocent persons have been sent to labour camps without a fair trial, and yet others have been tortured or even killed by the police. Considering this, I find it legitimate for practitioners across the world to protest peacefully against the Chinese government, also when it is represented abroad."

- Cecilia Malmstrom, MEP

"The detention of people with the aim to stop them from peacefully protesting is not only a major violation of basic political and human rights, but also a violation of Chinese and European law.

I therefore deplore such treatment inflicted on the Falun Gong people and I urge that their human rights will be respected in Iceland in the future."

- Struan Stevenson, MEP

"It is shameful that an open, democratic society like Iceland would profile and turn away visitors from other democratic nations based on their religious beliefs. Furthermore, it is abhorrent that peaceful adherents of the Falun Gong religion should find themselves "blacklisted" by any government...

Political demonstrations by Falun Gong practitioners are by definition peaceful and orderly, and there is no precedent for any violent behaviour on their part. Accordingly, the Government of Iceland seems to have acted entirely inappropriately in not allowing the entrance of Falun Gong practitioners to their country."

- Svend J Robinson, MP of Canada

24th June 2002-07-22 Question of 14^th June from Committee of Justice Of the Danish Parliament, common part - annex 691.

Question:

"How will the Minister ensure freedom of speech, also for followers of the Falun Gong movement, when Denmark is visited by high-ranking Chinese authorities?"

Reply:

There is no need to make any special proceedings to ensure freedom of speech during visit from foreign countries. Any person or movement will, within the conditions of our constitution, be able to express their opinion, including through legally notified demonstrations.

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark

"We have asked the government of Iceland for an official explanation of its actions."

- Philip Reeker, U.S. Deputy State Department Spokesman

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