§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Tibet. [82498]
§ Mr. RammellWe continue to have serious concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet. We welcome, however, the releases this year of several Tibetan prisoners, including Ngawang Choepel, Chadrel Rinpoche, Jigme Zangpo and Ngawang Sangdrol. All of these were on the list of individual cases of concern that we have raised with the Chinese Government. We have also welcomed, along with EU partners, the recent visit of the Dalai Lama's representatives to China. We encourage both sides to continue to use dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the Tibetan issue.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage the European Union to achieve the early appointment of a special co-ordinator in Tibet. [82499]
§ Mr. RammellThe EU discussed the appointment of a special representative for Tibetan issues in April. After careful consideration, and bearing in mind the US experience, the EU decided against such an appointment. The EU presidency informed the Dalai Lama's representative accordingly.