Written answers

Thursday, 9 October 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

Human Rights Issues

5:00 pm

Photo of Michael D'ArcyMichael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34075/08]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I remain deeply concerned by the situation in Tibet. Following the disturbing events there in March, and in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympic Games, the situation remained extremely tense and widespread restrictions remained in place on the local population. Some of those restrictions are gradually being lifted and tourists and other outsiders are being permitted to visit the area. But many of those involved in the March events are still in detention or imprisoned, some monasteries, monks and others remain subject to heavy restrictions and surveillance, and reports continue to come in of intimidation and ill-treatment.

As reported to Deputies on many previous occasions, I myself, and my Department, maintain close contact with the Chinese authorities regarding Tibet, as well as supporting efforts at the EU level. Through these contacts, we continue to underline the importance Ireland attaches to human rights, to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest, and to dialogue between the Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama.

We believe that dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives remains the most effective way to achieve the protection of Tibetan culture, identity, religion and human rights, and some measure of autonomy for Tibet within China. However, the currently unsatisfactory pace and substance of the dialogue process need to be accelerated and upgraded. We believe that positive developments in the dialogue would benefit not only the Tibetan people, but also China itself, and that it would serve to curb increasing militancy, calls for secession and divergence from the moderate views of the Dalai Lama within Tibet, particularly among the young, which could be dangerous for all concerned.

The Government will continue to keep the situation of Tibet under careful review and high on the agenda in our contacts with China.

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