UK calls for restraint from China over Tibet shootings/ENG

2012. január 25./Tibet Society/TibetPress

[25 January] Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne issued a public statement this afternoon, calling upon China to "exercise restraint" in eastern Tibet, where at least eight Tibetan protestors are reported to have been shot by Chinese police over the past couple of days.

The Minister also called on the Chinese government to release full details of the incidents that have taken place in Drango and Serthar, both located in Sichuan province. Mr Browne also urged the Chinese authorities to "work to resolve the underlying grievances”.

The full statement, which is on the Foreign Office website, reads:

UK concern at shootings in Tibetan areas of Sichuan
25 January 2012: Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has urged the Chinese government to exercise restraint following reports that Chinese security forces opened fire on protesters.

Speaking today the Foreign Office Minister said: "I am deeply concerned at reports that Chinese security forces have fired upon protesters on two occasions in Tibetan areas of Sichuan, resulting in casualties.  I urge the Chinese government to exercise restraint, to release full details of the incidents, and to work to resolve the underlying grievances.”

Tibet Society welcomes this statement but believes the current deteriorating situation in Tibet warrants a public statement from Foreign Secretary William Hague. The British government should not only condemn the actions of the Chinese security forces in Tibet, but also demand China safeguards the basic human rights of the Tibetan people and urge that international observers and foreign media are allowed access to Tibetan regions.

Britain should also lead the way in a multi-lateral approach by world governments to encourage and support the Chinese government to consider the Tibetan people's grievances, engage in points of substance and set in place practical mechanisms whereby a meaningful and productive dialogue can begin.