HC Deb 22 May 1997 vol 294 c137W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions he is taking to secure the release of the Panchen Lama Choekyi Nyima; and if he will make a statement. [992]

Mr. Fatchett

We are concerned at the continued detention by the Chinese authorities of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the child accepted by the Dalai Lama as the eleventh reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. Along with EU partners, the previous government raised its deep concern at this detention with the Chinese. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has also raised the question of human rights with them, most recently in his meeting with the Chinese Ambassador on 12 May. We will continue to work with our EU partners to urge the Chinese authorities to respect human rights and the distinct religious identity of the Tibetans.