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Dutch Member of the PVDA Party Bert Koenders Expresses His Concern about the Safety of Dutch and Foreign Falun Gong Practitioners
(Clearwisdom.net) Recently, a Dutch Falun Gong practitioner wrote a
letter to inform the government about the shooting incident in South Africa and
to request extra security measures for the upcoming top meeting between the
European Union and China. In response, Mr. Bert Koenders, House of
Representatives of the Dutch Parliament and Member of Party of the PVDA wrote to
Falun Gong practitioners recently to express his concern about the safety of
Dutch and Foreign Falun Gong practitioners. Below is a translation of the letter
from Mr. Koenders. Dear Jitse Pruiksma, I have read your letter with great interest and I have to say
that I am truly shocked upon learning of what happened in South Africa. The
Netherlands must do everything in his power to ensure the safety of Dutch and
foreign Falun Gong practitioners at the coming top meeting. As a democratic
country it should ensure everyone's rights. We of the PVDA will watch closely to see if all of our
national principles of our juridical system are being followed at all times. Any
indication of the contrary will be a reason for us to investigate the issue and
will in that event notify our cabinet at once. In principle we rest assured that the AIVD and other relevant
governmental organizations have made a just and realistic assessment of the
possible risks prior and during the top meeting between the European Union and
China. The AIVD claims to exclude any potential foreign involvement. So far
safety has been ensured during the Dutch chairmanship in the European Union. From a wider perspective PVDA is very concerned about the
persistent violation of human rights in China. We have insisted numerous times
to increase international pressure on China via international forums in an
effort to enhance the human rights situation of practitioners of Falun Gong, as
well as that of the Tibetan people. We think that the best way to achieve this
effect is via orchestrated international sanctions and critique. It is a shame
that many countries while clinging on to their economic interests fear to
confront these inhumane situations. This has resulted that with regard to
China's misbehavior, a clear international stance has yet to be concluded. Now and in the future, we of the PVDA will not neglect our
duty to help focus attention on the human rights situation in China and will
insist the cabinet that it shall raise this issue in international meetings. Sincerely yours, Bert Koenders Posting date: 9/29/2004
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