Olivier Chastel: "The EU is determined to continue the efforts undertaken for the release of Liu Xiaobo, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize"
![](http://www.eutrio.be/files/bveu/imagecache/node_main_img/media/images/07-02_ConcertLaeken/ChastelPE.jpg "Olivier Chastel: "The EU is determined to continue the efforts undertaken for the release of Liu Xiaobo, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize"")
During the plenary session of the European Parliament, Secretary of State for European Affairs Olivier Chastel expressed himself on behalf of High Representative Cathy Ashton on the situation of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mr Liu Xiaobo.
As Olivier Chastel reminded the Parliament, the European Union did not wait for this prestigious award to remind the Chinese government of its international commitments concerning respect for freedom of expression. The Secretary of State called to mind the importance that the Union attaches to the freeing of Liu Xiaobo. The Secretary of State expressed regret that the Chinese authorities have not followed up on intensified appeals from the international community.
With steadfastness and determination, the European Union will continue the efforts undertaken for nearly two years so that Liu Xiaobo is released, so that he can fully exercise his rights and contribute to the public debate initiated in China through Charter 08 calling for respect for human rights.
"The European Union, as it does every year, will share as a whole and at a level at least identical to that of the past year, like the majority of the diplomatic community, in the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Mr Liu Xiaobo in Oslo as at this December 10th," concluded Secretary of State Olivier Chastel on behalf of the High Representative.
