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British foreign secretary calls for meaningful dialogue

By Lobsang Wangyal | Tibet Sun

British foreign secretary David Miliband. AFP/Getty Images/Emmanuel Dunand/Britain

British foreign secretary David Miliband called on China to pursue a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama to bring a positive outcome to the Tibetan situation.

“These talks are hugely important for the future of Tibet. They provide the only forum in which there is any realistic possibility of progress to resolve the differences between the parties involved,” Miliband said in a statement issued on 29 October.

He pointed out that the Chinese Government has said that it is serious about dialogue and that it hopes for a positive outcome. He believes that the Dalai Lama has met the conditions set by the Chinese government.

He said that “the British Government has a strong interest in the dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama’s representatives, although we are not a party to it. No government which is committed to promoting international respect for human rights can remain silent on the issue of Tibet, or disinterested in a solution to its problems.”

“Britain has been clear under this Government about our commitment to the people of Tibet. We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation there.”

“We have consistently made clear that we want to see the human rights of the Tibetan people respected, including through respect for their distinct culture, language, traditions and religions. Our interest is not in restoring an order which existed 60 years ago and which the Dalai Lama himself has said he does not seek to restore.”

The Dalai Lama has said repeatedly that he is seeking a meaningful and realistic autonomy for Tibetan within the framework of the Chinese constitution, and is not seeking separation or independence for Tibet.

Dalai Lama’s two envoys landed in Beijing on 30 October for the eighth round of talks. Ahead of the envoy’s departure he said that he has faith and trust in the Chinese people, but his faith and trust in the Chinese government is diminishing, hinting at potential failure of the talks.

Miliband said that Britain is also concerned about more immediate issues arising directly from the unrest of this spring, including the situation of those who remain in detention following the unrest, the increased constraints on religious activity, and the limitations on free access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region by diplomats and journalists.

However, he said that Britain do not support Tibetan independence. “We regard Tibet as part of the People’s Republic of China. Our interest is in long term stability, which can only be achieved through respect for human rights and greater autonomy for the Tibetans.”

Copyright © 2008 Tibet Sun

Published in Tibet Sun