Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 140: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, on the occasion of the Chinese Prime Minister's visit to Dublin, he pressed the Premier to open negotiations without preconditions with the Tibetan government in exile; if he expressed concern over the recent deterioration in China's human rights record in Tibet; if he pressed the Premier to immediately release Tibetan political prisoners (details supplied); and if he stressed the need for the appointment of an EU special representative for Tibetan affairs. [15729/04]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Discussions on the human rights situation in China, and the situation in Tibet have been ongoing at every level during our EU Presidency.

The Government has consistently called on the Chinese authorities to respect fully the rights of the Tibetan people, including prisoners. We will continue to address our ongoing concerns regarding the protection of human rights in Tibet along with the general human rights situation in China, both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU-China human rights dialogue. We will also continue to encourage and support direct talks between the representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese authorities.

In the course of Premier Wen Jiabao's recent first official visit to Dublin, on 11 and 12 May 2004, the Taoiseach and I raised the issue of human rights. We outlined Ireland's strong commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Both sides agreed on the importance of co-operation and dialogue in working together to bring about respect for international obligations. Premier Wen noted that the continuing EU-China human rights dialogue was particularly useful in this regard. The Premier reported on the measures his Government is taking in the field of human rights, which included earlier this year the addition of a specific provision on human rights into the constitution of China.

The issue of Tibet was raised and our concerns outlined to the Premier by the Taoiseach. Our concerns were also discussed in greater detail at senior official level. As the Deputy will be aware, the EU primarily addresses ongoing concerns about the protection of human rights in Tibet, in the framework of the EU-China human rights dialogue. It is the considered view of the Government that this is the most effective form of engagement with China on human rights issues, and the method that has led to the most constructive discussions and progress. The human rights dialogue also offers us the most effective opportunity to raise and follow-up on individual cases of concern, such as those referred to by the Deputy.

In this regard, I recall that my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for overseas development and human rights, Deputy Kitt, in preparation for the EU-China human rights dialogue meeting which took place in Dublin on 26 and 27 February 2004, met first with representatives of Tibet Action Ireland, the Tibetan community in the UK and the Free Tibet Campaign. They discussed the general situation in Tibet, and human rights concerns in particular.

At the meeting which followed of the EU-China human rights dialogue the issue of human rights in Tibet was raised with the Chinese Government. The EU raised its concerns at the human rights situation in Tibet, highlighting in particular the imprisonment of Buddhist monks. The EU urged the Chinese authorities to address the human rights situation in Tibet, to investigate the reports of imprisonment of Buddhist monks and to renew its contacts with the representatives of the Dalai Lama. In response, the Chinese authorities indicated a willingness, in principle, to continue to meet representatives of the Dalai Lama, though no date for a future meeting was given.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, encourages the continuation of the dialogue between the Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama. In this regard, I welcome the statement issued on 10 March 2004 by the Dalai Lama, in which he expressed the hope that this year may see a significant breakthrough in relations with the Chinese Government, and that he has instructed his envoys to continue the process of dialogue with Beijing at an early date. Similarly, it is encouraging that the Chinese delegation at the most recent session of the EU-China human rights dialogue indicated a willingness, in principle, to continue to meet representatives of the Dalai Lama.

In the course of our intensive official contacts with the Chinese authorities over the last few months, we have emphasised the importance of dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama on the Tibet issue, and noted our strong desire for progress and positive developments on this matter, given that both sides are now expressing themselves ready to talk.

Regarding the question of the appointment of an EU special representative for Tibet, I have set out the Government's position on a number of occasions over the last six months. In March 2002, the Dalai Lama wrote to the Foreign Ministers of EU member states, including myself, asking that an EU special representative for Tibet be appointed. In a joint response at that time, the EU Ministers were unanimously of the view that nominating an EU special representative would not contribute positively to the situation.

The above position was reconsidered at the end of 2003 and it was decided that the position had not changed. It remains the common view of EU partners therefore that, in present circumstances, the most effective means of influencing the Chinese Government's position on Tibet is through direct contact.