The Chinese were quick to hit out at the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, dismissing his description of the situation in Tibet as "lies", but Tashi Wangdi, who represents His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Bureau of Tibet in Brussels, says truth is a scarce commodity in the disputed region.
"There are two versions of life in Tibet: the Chinese version and our version – the truth is in there somewhere. But unless independent parties can visit Tibet freely, it's impossible for the world to know what is going on," Wangdi said.
He insisted any European delegation would have to be free to visit all parts of Tibet and speak to citizens without restrictions and without being accompanied by Chinese officials.
"We would want that people who speak to European politicians or journalists are not punished afterwards."
Wangdi said the situation has deteriorated since unrest broke out last March as a storm of controversy erupted ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games.
There is tighter control of information and a beefed-up military presence in the region, he said. It is now fifty years since the Dalai Lama fled Tibet as China took control.
Wangdi acknowledged that there have been some divisions within the Tibetan movement in recent years, with younger activists pushing for full independence and mainstream leaders advocating autonomy as a "middle way" compromise.
However, Wangdi claims China has not engaged with Tibet in a meaningful way since direct contact began in 1979.
"The Chinese leaders have never really given us the impression that they were sincerely interested in finding a solution," he said.
