HC Deb 26 May 1989 vol 153 cc771-2W
Mr. Wolfson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what consideration has been given by him to initiating any moves to enable United Nations observers to visit Tibet; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what further action is open to him to demonstrate Her Majesty's Government's concern for the people of Tibet;

(3) what further approaches he is considering making to the Chinese Government to reflect widespread continuing concern over the treatment of the people and culture of Tibet by China.

Mr. Waldegrave

We deplore abuses of human rights wherever they occur and we have made clear to the Chinese authorities on many occasions the real concern in this country about human rights in Tibet. The Chinese Government are well aware of our dismay at recent events in Tibet and our hope that martial law will be lifted soon. We shall continue to seek suitable opportunities to make our views known. Under the terms of martial law in Tibet, foreigners including diplomats are excluded from entering Lhasa. If, however, a serious consular case should arise, we would of course request permission to enter Tibet. We shall keep the position under review.

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