12. Sep 2009
British minister backs 'greater autonomy' for Tibet
(AFP) A British minister underlined London's support for greater Tibetan autonomy during a visit to Lhasa, and talks in Beijing. Junior Foreign Office minister Ivan Lewis made the first ever trip to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) by a British government member. "This is a historic visit", he was quoted as saying by a UK foreign office statement, adding that it was in the context of "our decision to change UK policy, and the significant international concern following the events in March 2008". "We recognise Tibet as an autonomous region of China (...) But long-term stability can only be achieved through respect for human rights and greater autonomy", he said. "This depends on substantive dialogue between the Chinese government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama. China has said all matters except independence can be discussed. But its position has hardened. I urged them to reiterate the earlier position", he said. In Tibet, Lewis met the chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), while in Beijing he discussed the situation there with the vice minister of the United Front Work Department. Lewis does not appear to have met with the Chinese foreign ministry.