Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Human Rights Issues

7:00 pm

Photo of John PerryJohn Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on correspondence (details supplied). [42180/06]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I would refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ No. 39549/06 of 23 November. As I indicated on that occasion, I am aware of, and deeply concerned by, the shooting of Tibetan refugees which occurred at the Tibet-Nepal border on 30 September. The issue has specifically been raised with the Chinese authorities by the EU. The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises its concerns with China about individual human rights cases, and more general issues such as freedom of expression and the abolition of the death penalty. The latest round of the Dialogue was held in Beijing on 19 October. Senior officials from both sides discussed a wide range of human rights issues including this specific incident.

The EU expressed deep concern about these events and urged China to investigate the incident thoroughly. We continue to have serious concerns about the Chinese explanation of the event, which does not appear compatible with the testimony of independent eyewitnesses or video footage of the event. I believe it is important that China seek to establish and address the full facts of the incident. Ireland, with our EU partners, will continue to follow up the matter closely with the Chinese authorities.

On a bilateral level, the Government has consistently called on the Chinese authorities to respect fully the rights of the Tibetan people, including their socio-economic and human rights. I met with Chinese foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing during a visit to Beijing in May. During our meeting, I had the opportunity to raise human rights issues and concerns including the importance we attach to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

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