"Is it really necessary to 'kowtow' to China? I'd been thinking that of all people, the Dutch would take a stand and thereby send a strong message. Perhaps the Parliament & people will, but it would be better if their leader would also. We must hope for better days and more courage," Orson Orgelsong, USA.
This is just one of the many reactions we've been getting ahead of the Dalai Lama's visit to the Netherlands later this week.
The Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende is refusing to meet with the Tibetan spiritual leader during his trip. Instead the exiled leader will be met by the Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen in the company of other spiritual leaders.
The Chinese authorities have expressed their concerns about the visit, and they have subtly warned of "negative consequences" for Sino-Dutch relations.
Is the Dutch government bowing to Chinese pressure? Give us your opinion.
And join Radio Netherlands Worldwide for in-depth coverage of his holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to the Netherlands. Our reporting will include:
- A special edition of Newsline devoted to the Dalai Lama's speech at the Dutch parliament
- Stories from Tibetans living in exile in Holland
- Analysis of the Netherlands' relationship with China
We've also taken to the streets of Amsterdam visiting China town to see what people there make of the Dalai Lama's visit.
A selection of your comments so far on the refusal of the Dutch PM to meet the Dalai Lama:
David Berridge, Canada
"Why can't it be 'arranged' that Balkenende just happens to bump into the DL at an Amsterdam coffee shop?"
Ed de Leer, Netherlands.
"Balkenend knows well he is popular enough in his country, and is not necessary to make an eyes-catching move to get domesctic support like what Sharkochy did."
Orson Orgelsong, U.S.A.
Yes! Unfortunately. Is it really necessary to "kowtow" to China? I'd been thinking that of all people, the Dutch would take a stand and thereby send a strong message. Perhaps the Parliament & people will, but it would be better if their leader would also. We must hope for better days and more courage. Thank you for this opportunity.
Peter, The Netherlands
Balkenende said he will not let some people in the Netherlands linked to exciled Tibetans pressure him to meet the 14th Dalai Lama, he himself wants to decide who he wants to meet and who he does'nt want to meet. I think he's right, the 14th Dalai Lama people should realize that Holland is a democracy, not a theocracy where you can use violent behavior if someone doesn't do something you want.
Shubhi Jain.
"It is said that the Prime Minister of such a upright country is bowing to the pressure of such a thug country as China."
Nancy.
"I think the Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende is a coward and a silly prime minister. His move shows that the Netherlands is not a democratic country anymore, because its actions are decided by the leaders of other countries. The Netherlands is not an independent country but controlled by other countries. Even though Demark is a small country, it shows freedom towards other countries. I think most Dutch people support Tibet and the Tibetan people except their cowardly prime minister."
Yohoexpo.
"It's a wise decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama. The dalai lama issue is not a CCP or dictator issue,it's concerned with China's terrotory and sovereignty,all Chinese not like to see dalai lama to use different channels to seperate Greater China."
Phurbu Thinley, India.
"It's obvious the Dutch PM is kowtowing to prevailing Chinese pressure. Otherwise there is no excuse not to meet the Dalai Lama. I don't know to what extend Dutch economic interest in entangled with that of the Chinese; but for the Dutch PM, all he and the country he represents need is a little moral strength and, not economic and political power to greet one of the world's most revered and inspiring figures of our time. For me Dutch PM is teaming up with Chinese criminal regime to oppress suffering Tibetan people in Tibet. I am sure he and his people are fully aware of what has been happening in Tibet from last year. Meeting the Dalai Lama is giving HOPE for Tibetan people both in and outside Tibet to keep their identity and culture alive. The Dutch PM must understand that Dalai Lama is a leader of Tibetan people and their half a century long “Peaceful Freedom Struggle” movement. If only I can buy "Moral Values" I would have generously “FUNDED” the Dutch PM and his country. Tibet issue is all about moral obligation, and not about being anti-China. I still believe Netherlands, like other European countries, is a "Freedom Loving" country, and I hope it will continue to live up to the expectations of oppressed people of Tibet. God bless Netherlands, God bless Dutch PM!!!"
Rigzin Latoe, USA.
"Definitely, it is shame that the free world is bowing to the evil regime that commits tyranny not only in their own country and occupied territory like Tibet, but other country like Denmark etc."
Chagri Lama, USA.
"Balkenende shows how a man can walk and live without a backbone. In the USA, Americans would call him "chicken s**t"... Bowing to Chinese Empire will not bring riches or money or trade, only more demands to bow even lower. Why not kiss their boots now?"
Arda van den Berg, Canada.
"It makes me disappointed in and ashamed of the country of my birth. :-("
Liborio.
"May29, 2009 Liborio Press Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende is an human rights violator undercover."
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