I am aware of this case which involves the Tibetan musician, Mr. Ngawang Choephel, who was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment on 26 December 1996 on charges of espionage.
I am particularly concerned about the case because, according to all available information, the musician was on a cultural and not on a political mission when arrested. In addition, the precise nature of the espionage charges against him is not known and the sentence is very long. Ireland has supported the idea of the EU making representations on behalf of Mr. Choephel to the Chinese authorities.
The Deputy will be aware from previous replies and statements that the Governments' concern at the human rights situation in China has been raised at every appropriate opportunity with the Chinese authorities, including my last meeting with the Chinese Vice Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Qian Qichen, on 23 September 1996 when I led the EU ministerial Troika at a meeting in New York.
As a member of the EU ministerial Troika I will meet the Chinese Vice Premier in Singapore on 14 February en marge of the EU-ASEAN/ ASEM meetings. The issue of human rights in China will be taken up with the Vice Premier at that time.