Media release

20 March 2008

Continuing Violence in Tibet

The Australian Government remains deeply concerned about Tibet and neighbouring areas and continues to monitor the situation closely.

The Government is particularly concerned by reports of violence extending into neighbouring provinces.

I reiterate calls for calm and restraint by all parties, and for the unrest to end quickly and without further casualties. It would be a tragedy for all sides if this situation were to deteriorate even further.

The Australian Government believe it is in China’s own interests to resolve the situation peacefully and constructively.

Dialogue is the way ahead. Constructive and meaningful talks must take place as a matter of priority.

The Australian Government has expressed our continuing concerns at the situation in Tibet directly to Chinese officials in Beijing and Canberra. This has been in addition to the public remarks made by myself and the Prime Minister.

I have instructed officials in Beijing to again speak with Chinese officials to urge restraint, and to seek further clarification of events in Lhasa and other Tibetan areas.

I urge the Chinese Government to respect the human rights of detainees.

The Australian Government has urged China to allow free access to Tibet and other affected areas so the international community and foreign media may gain an accurate understanding of what is occurring there.

The Australian Embassy has also submitted a request for diplomats to travel to Tibet.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is monitoring the safety and welfare of six Australians who we know are in Tibet.

The Department and the Embassy in Beijing have already assisted 16 Australians who have departed Tibet.

The Department’s travel advice continues to advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Lhasa and to exercise a high degree of caution in the rest of Tibet and in Tibetan areas of bordering provinces.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555