PM Transcripts

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PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 15 DECEMBER 1989
I am delighted that the Dalai Lama's long-standing and
peaceful attempts to improve the lot of the Tibetan
people have been recognised by the award of the Nobel
Peace Prize.
I join many other members of the international community
in offering my congratulations to the Dalai Lama. The
Australian Government hopes that the award will
contribote to reducing tensions in Tibet and will help
the Tibetan people achieve the universal standards of
human rights they are entitled to expect.
Australia acknowledges that Tibet is part of China. But
we consider it important that universally accepted
standards of human rights are observed there, including
the right of Tibetans to practice their cultural and
religio" s traditions. We are particularly concerned
about reports from Tibet of detentions of people engaged
in peaceful demonstrations, ill treatment of prisoners
and harsh sentences for dissidents.
We have conveyed to the Chinese Government on a number
of occasions our concerns over the human rights
situation in Tibet. We will continue to do so whenever
necessary. 1Vf1Z) Q'_' 7 V-14D no. 000 r. VZ