Thomas Pringle TD
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Question to Minister on Tibet

Question No. 3

 Parliamentary Question – Dept Details

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise with the Chinese Government the indiscriminate killing of Tibetans by the Chinese authorities during 23 and 24 January while China was celebrating its new year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Thomas Pringle.

*    For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 8th February, 2012.

 Ref No:   7120/12

REPLY

The Government has closely followed the reported violent events in January in areas of Tibetan population in Chinese provinces neighbouring Tibet and is concerned about the situation.  The recent protests and self-immolations – and the subsequent loss of life – are deeply regrettable.

Ireland together with our EU partners believes that constructive dialogue between the Chinese Government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama is the best way to address differences and tensions in Tibet and to reach a solution that respects Tibetan culture, language, religion and identity.  It is important for the long-term peace and stability of the region that the two sides come to an agreement on the future of Tibet.  To this end, we continue to encourage an early resumption of dialogue by the parties.

The promotion of human rights is an important dimension of European foreign policy, as enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union. Constructive dialogue remains the EU’s preferred channel for working to improve the human rights situation in China. Human rights are discussed as part of regular political dialogue as well as during specific Human Rights dialogues with China which have taken place since 1995.

The Irish Government continues to convey its concerns about the situation in Tibet directly to the Chinese authorities through regular contacts in both Dublin and Beijing. The issue of Tibet is also raised by the European Union in its dialogue with China.  President Van Rompuy and President Barroso will travel in February to China for the 14th EU China Summit which will provide an important forum in which to raise our concerns on Tibet.

 

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