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Re: Request for dialogue between the Icelandic government and the Falun Gong-Iceland Dialogue Committee (FIDC)
Letter to Iceland's Leaders
(8/23/2002 1:57)August 4, 2002
Mr. Davíð Oddsson, The Prime Minister of Iceland
Stjornarradshusinu vid Laekjartorg - 150 Reykjavik - IcelandMs. Sólveig Pétursdóttir, Minister of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs
Arnarhvoli - 150 Reykjavik - IcelandMr. Halldór Ásgrímsson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Raudararstigur 25 - 150 Reykjavík - ISRe: Request for dialogue between the Icelandic government and the Falun Gong-Iceland Dialogue Committee (FIDC)
Dear Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
We respectfully inform you that the Falun Dafa Associations of Europe and North America have jointly established the Falun Gong-Iceland Dialogue Committee (FIDC) to represent all practitioners in our much anticipated dialogue with your government. The purpose of this Committee is to provide a convenient channel of communication between the Icelandic government and practitioners of Falun Gong.
Several weeks have passed since your government barred Falun Gong practitioners from entering Iceland during the visit of Chinese president. We have seen no visible advancement in resolving the issues caused by the ban. Not only are we disheartened by the damage to the dignity and good standing in society of Falun Gong and its practitioners, we are also concerned by the harm to the reputation and future of the Icelandic government and people. Still, we are confident that all can be redressed with genuine information and communication. Therefore, it is with our sincere wish of increasing your understanding of Falun Gong and resolving this grave issues that the FIDC requests serious dialogue with your government.
We hope you understand that despite persecution and defamation by the Chinese government, Falun Gong is well-recognized around the world for its peaceful and benign nature, and its practitioners are law-abiding citizens posing no threat to anyone or any country. We hope you are aware that hundreds of Falun Gong practitioners have already died of torture, tens of thousands are suffering atrocities in custody in China, and President Jiang is the person directly responsible for ordering their torture and killing. The persecution is condemned by governments, international organizations, and people of conscience world-wide.
Therefore, on their own time and using their own funds, when Jiang visited Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Iceland, and Lithuania in June, practitioners of Falun Gong from different countries individually decided to travel to these countries to appeal for truth and justice, help rescue others from torture and death, and bring the good principle of Truth-Compassion-Forbearance to the citizens of these countries. Many had to borrow money to make the trip. Falun Gong practitioners came to these countries to protect the principles at the foundation of morality.
However, for such noble intentions, it is most unfortunate that the government of Iceland chose to assist the Jiang regime to silence the voice of justice. You ordered measures to prevent practitioners from coming, including rejecting visas, blacklisting practitioners and distributing such a list to all the international airports in Europe and U.S., where there are Iceland-bound flights, and even detaining practitioners upon arrival in Iceland. Your charge that these peaceful people may pose a threat to public order, as stated in the June 10 letter from the Ministry of Justice, does not hold up under examination of all the facts.
The ban has raised serious issues relating to compliance with Icelandic and international laws and human rights obligations. It is disturbingly evident that the Chinese regime is increasingly using deception, pressure, and manipulation to put the independent and democratic rule of other countries in jeopardy. As well, it is clear that the persecution against Falun Gong is not confined within China’s borders; it has unquestionably spread to other countries and is truly an international issue of serious concern. Your decision to conform to the demands from a foreign tyrannical dictatorship against the will of your people set a dangerous precedent among democratic Western nations and has only harmed Iceland’s reputation in the international community. It has also brought shame to the Icelandic people and left a black mark in Icelandic history.
From the time of our arrival in mid-June, we have been touched by the outpouring of kind and just support from your country’s citizens, especially numerous apologies they made on behalf of Iceland to the people affected by your decision. Yet we are disappointed not to have received an official response from your government that reflects the righteous opinion and will of your people.
What happened in June, 2002 in Iceland will not be forgotten, yet neither will the strength and courage that we sincerely anticipate you will find to admit the wrongdoing and make rectification. Taking a righteous and dignified course of action now will restore your country’s reputation and full independence. It will earn the respect, confidence, and support of the Icelandic people and pave the way for a strong, stable, and secure future for your government and your nation.
We hope to engage in a genuine dialogue with you to resolve the pending issues worthy of the respect of all people of principle and conscience.
Thank you for your kind attention. We hope an initial meeting between the Falun Gong-Iceland Dialogue Committee and representatives from your government can take place mid-August via teleconference. We look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Falun Gong-Iceland Dialogue Committee
CC: all Members of Parliament and other government officials of Iceland
(8/23/2002 1:57)
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