Vol. 489 No. 6
203 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that six Tibetans (details supplied) at Jantar in New Dehli have been on hunger strike since 10 March 1998 in protest at the violation of the human rights of the Tibetan people by the Chinese authorities; if he will consider the possibility of the Irish Ambassador to India meeting the hunger strikers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8971/98]
The Government is very concerned at the hunger strike being undertaken in New Delhi by six Tibetans. The matter is being given close attention by the Irish Ambassador in New Delhi who is liaising closely wth other EU representatives there. They are currently examining the possibility of some action by the EU or by individual countries which might assist in bringing an end to the hunger strike.
The primary concern of the Government on this issue will be to ensure that no loss of life should occur as a result of the hunger strike.
