Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 7

Written Answers. - Release of Tibetans.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

110 Mr. Dempsey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to make representations to the Chinese authorities to secure the release of Gedun Choekyi Nyima and other Tibetan people. [3587/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

Gedun Choekyi Nyima, the six year old boy who is the Dalai Lama's choice as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, and those associated with him, have been the subject recently of representations to the Chinese authorities.

During the visit to China of the EU troika delegation on human rights from 22-24 January, the troika raised in the official talks the question of the dispute over the selection of the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama between the Dali Lama and the central Government, with a view to seeing if the wishes of the Tibetan people might be respected. The troika also inquired about the wellbeing of Gedun Choekyi Nyima and of his tutor, the Abbot of Tashilunpo.

In their response, the Chinese blamed the Dalai Lama for allegedly sabotaging the proper procedure for the selection, which involved approval of the central Government. They said that the boy was in very good shape physically and was leading a healthy, normal life. However they were unfortunately not able to disclose his whereabouts. It was said that the Abbot had been taken ill last May en route from Beijing to Tibet and that he was still hospitalised.

The troika also raised this issue with the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Li Zhaoxing.

These responses can hardly be considered satisfactory. Ireland and its partners in the EU will continue to keep this matter under review and to study the best means of ensuring that the Chinese authorities are fully aware of our concerns on this issue.