Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 8

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses in Tibet.

Ray Burke

Question:

22 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government is party to the view expressed by Troika member, Italian Foreign Minister, Lamberto Dini, on a recent visit to China, that the Geneva Resolution on human rights in Tibet is irritating; if the Government will disassociate itself from such a view; and if he will use his position as President of the EU Foreign Affairs Council to lead the EU in support of a resolution on China at the major human rights body, the UN Commission on Human Rights. [20051/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

My Italian colleague paid an official visit to China from 11 to 16 October. During his visit he met with Chinese Premier Li Peng and with the Vice Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs Qian Qichen. This was primarily a bilateral visit to promote ties between China and Italy. In so far as matters of common concern to partners within the European Union arose, including human rights and Tibet, I am confident that my Italian colleague, in his meetings, followed our well established common position. In particular I am assured that there is no basis for the reports that Foreign Minister Dini expressed dissatisfaction to his Chinese hosts about the EU's support for the Geneva Resolution on Human Rights in China.

The next session of the Commission on Human Rights will take place in March-April 1997 by which time I will of course no longer be President of the EU General Affairs Council. A decision on the introduction of a resolution on China will be taken closer to the date of the Commission in the light of the human rights situation obtaining at the time.