§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress was made in securing the freedom of the Panchen Lama during the visit of EU ambassadors to China in May.[44234]
§ Mr. Fatchett[holding answer 8 June 1998]: During their visit to Tibet in May, the EU Troika Ambassadors expressed their concerns for the welfare of Gedhum Choekyi Nyima, who has been recognised by the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, and asked to meet him in order to confirm his well-being. The authorities of the Tibetan Autonomous Region did not permit such a meeting, but said that the boy was in good health. We shall continue to raise his case at every appropriate opportunity.