The freedom of religious feeling in Tibet has reached such a high that the leader of a Tibetan delegation to Europe has waxed lyrical about the situation there. Raidi said the changes China had made since the glorious and peaceful liberation of the serfdom, Tibet meant people could now practise what they liked, how they liked, when they liked. This is the first time such a delegation has made such a visit to Europe, another sign of the freedom the region has.

At a welcome reception on Monday evening, Raidi, the head of the delegation of China's Tibet Autonomous Regional People's Congress, told of his life in the manacles of a serfdom existence, which millions of Tibetans had suffered for a very long time. The comprehensive democratic reforms made possible in 1959 meant that these millions could break free from these chains at last. To first abolish serfdom was essential for Tibetans to enjoy human rights.

Raidi also told the reception about the startling improvements that had taken place since the democratic reforms. The GDP last year was a massive 35.5 times higher than in 1951. He said people's living standards were unrecognisable now from the dim and distant past.

Raid said everyone in Tibet knew the region had always been a part of China's territory, as is internationally acknowledged. The Chinese Government has always followed a policy of freedom of religious beliefs. The legal interests and normal religious activities are protected by law.

The delegation arrived in Brussels on Sunday and the visit is expected to improve mutual understanding between Tibet and the European parliament.