Murray McCully MP
National Party Foreign Affairs Spokesman

17 March 2008

National ‘alarmed and troubled’ on Tibet

The National Party is “alarmed and troubled” by reports of violence in Tibet.

“While there is uncertainty around the detail of casualties, it is clear that recent events there have been most unwelcome. Firm messages of international sentiment are required,” says National’s Foreign Affairs spokesman, Murray McCully.

“We have asked the New Zealand Government for a briefing from MFAT and understand that this will be forthcoming tomorrow.

“In the meantime, we join others in expressing concern. We also call on the Government of China to respect the rights of Tibetan citizens to protest peacefully.

“The National Party continues, in a bi-partisan manner, to support free trade deals generally, including the FTA with China.

“The strengthening of trade, cultural, and sporting ties have generally underpinned the positive changes that have taken place in China in recent years.

“As a more complete picture emerges from official reports, we expect a full and appropriate statement from the Government, reflecting the concerns felt by the New Zealand public,” Mr McCully says.

ENDS

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