§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received relating to the safety of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his possible release from his captivity; what is the UK's policy on the matter; and if he will make a statement. [115924]
§ Mr. BattleWe are concerned about the situation of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Dalai Lama's choice as the 11th Panchen Lama, and take every appropriate opportunity to press the Chinese Government to allow access to the boy to verify his health and living conditions. I did so myself when I met the Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, Wang Yingfan, on 9 November 1999, following the disturbing reports that Gedhun had died. We subsequently received a written assurance that he was alive and well.
The Chinese authorities maintain that Gedhun's parents want him to live a normal life and do not want visitors. While accepting the wishes of the parents, we continue to press the Chinese authorities to nominate an independent figure acceptable to the Chinese Government, the parents and the Tibetan leadership to meet with the boy.