Jim O'Keeffe
Question:299 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he supports the establishment of a fully democratic Tibet.
Written Answers. - Establishment of Democratic Tibet.
In 1979, when Ireland established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, the Irish Government recognised the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. Diplomatic relations are conducted with China on that basis. At that time, Tibet was recognised internationally as part of the People's Republic. That situation remains unchanged. The question therefore of recognising Tibet as an independent and sovereign state does not arise.
A central concern of Government policy on Tibet remains nevertheless the respect and protection of the human rights of Tibetans. Our concern and those of our partners in the Community at the continuing reports of abuses in Tibet have been and continue to be brought to the attention of the Chinese authorities. As recently as 20 February 1992 at the regular session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, the Presidency, on behalf of the member states of the Community, called once again on China to guarantee respect for human rights, in accordance with its international obligations. This call included a specific reference to respect for human rights in Tibet. While a draft resolution on human rights in China, including Tibet, failed on a procedural motion, the discussion at the Human Rights Commission served to ensure that the situation of Tibet and the human rights of Tibetans were once again brought to the fore.