Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 46: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14692/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I remain deeply concerned by the situation in Tibet, the ongoing security operations there, the treatment of demonstrators arrested during protests in March 2008 and since, the wider human rights situation and issues relating to the preservation of the religious and cultural identity of Tibetans.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of events leading to the departure of the Dalai Lama from Tibet in March 1949. The anniversary has prompted new security operations in the capital Lhasa and in other Tibetan areas.

The Government continues to convey its concerns about the situation in Tibet directly to the Chinese authorities in regular contacts with them both in Dublin and Beijing and in the context of regular bilateral discussions on human rights issues. Ireland also strongly supports, and engages actively in EU action in relation to Tibet, including in the context of the EU-China Human Rights dialogue.

While committed to a One China policy which accepts Tibet as part of China, we have long advocated dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet. We believe this remains the most sustainable way to achieve the protection of Tibetan culture, identity, religion and human rights, and a greater measure of autonomy for Tibet within China. We welcome the Dalai Lama's long-standing endorsement of dialogue as a means to resolve issues relating to Tibet and his clear reiteration on 1 April that Tibetan demands for the protection of their culture, language and spirituality must not involve the use of force or calls for separation from China. I was pleased that the meeting of Tibetans in exile held in Dharmasala in November 2008 endorsed the principles promoted by the Dalai Lama of autonomy rather than all-out independence, and non-violence rather than physical confrontation.

I regret that the current pace and substance of the dialogue that has been taking place has been unsatisfactory to date. In our bilateral contacts with the Chinese government, including during Political Consultations with senior Chinese officials in Dublin earlier this week, we have strongly encouraged engagement in an accelerated and upgraded dialogue process with the Dalai Lama and his representatives as very much in the interest, not only of the Tibetan people, but also of China.

The Government will continue to monitor carefully the situation in Tibet. It will remain high on our agenda in contacts with China and with the EU and the international community, and we will continue to support efforts to find a sustainable solution, acceptable to both sides.