Vol. 413 No. 5
59 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's reaction to the signature by President Bush of a US Congress Bill recognizing Tibet as an occupied country; whether Ireland supports the proposal of the Dalai Lama to visit Tibet to communicate directly with his people and to persuade them to continue on the path of non-violence.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the "Foreign Relations Authorisation Act Fiscal years 1992 and 1993" which was voted into US law in October last. Title III, part C of that Act contains a series of Declarations of Congress which express the sense of Congress on a range of issues including Tibet. I am informed that the declarations are not binding on the US executive and that the Act does not therefore alter the policy of the US Government on Tibet.
The Dalai Lama is a revered and respected religious and spiritual leader who has consistently advocated non-violence. I hope that he can continue to communicate that message in which he firmly believes and that ways can be found which will allow him to maintain and improve his dialogue with his people.
