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Human Rights Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2004

Wednesday, 24 November 2004

Questions (102)

Richard Bruton

Question:

86 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, since assuming his position, he has met with groups active in support of the independence of Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30054/04]

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Written answers

Since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have been prepared to meet with groups concerned about the situation in Tibet and will consider any request for such a meeting. Officials of my Department regularly discuss the situation there with their colleagues, and representatives of concerned non-governmental organisations.

Ireland established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1979, and has, from that time, recognised Tibet as an integral part of China. Tibet regularly features in our discussions within the EU, at EU-China meetings, and in our bilateral meetings. I raised the issue of Tibet and recent developments during the official talks with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr. Huang Ju, in Dublin on 16 November. In response, the Chinese Vice-Premier said that the channels of communications between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama were open. Tibetan delegations had visited China since 2002 and met with their relatives. China continues to work to ensure peace and development in Tibet.

At EU level, Ireland, together with our EU partners, encourages the continuation of the dialogue between the Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama. In this regard, I welcome the statement issued on 10 March 2004 by the Dalai Lama, in which he expressed the hope that there might soon be a significant breakthrough in relations with the Chinese Government. He also said he has instructed his envoys to continue the process of dialogue with Beijing at an early date. I am pleased that representatives of the Dalai Lama met with the Chinese authorities in Beijing from 12 to 29 September 2004. Previous meetings between China and Tibetan envoys took place in September 2002 and May and June 2003. This third meeting was generally characterised as positive by Mr. Lodi Gyari, the special envoy of the Dalai Lama. For the first time there was a substantive discussion between Chinese and Tibetan representatives on major, sometimes fundamental differences, including the issue of the delimitation of Tibet and the scope of autonomy. It is understood that there may be a further round of talks in February 2005.

Following this meeting, the EU Presidency issued a declaration. The General Affairs and External Relations Council on 11 October 2004 emphasised, in its conclusions on the EU-China dialogue on human rights, the importance of the protection of minority rights in Tibet. Ireland, and its EU partners, hope that this latest round of talks will encourage further meaningful and direct dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama's representatives, leading to a peaceful and sustainable solution for Tibet.

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