Goff To Make Historic Visit To Tibet
Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Media Statement
27 May 2001
GOFF TO MAKE HISTORIC VISIT TO TIBET
Phil Goff becomes the first New Zealand
Foreign Minister to visit Tibet when he leaves for the
region tomorrow.
The visit is at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Tang as a result of Mr Goff raising human rights concerns about Tibet.
Tibet has been the focus of human rights concerns about the right of the Tibetan people to manage their own affairs and to promote their language, culture and religion. Groups such as Amnesty International have also raised concerns about freedom of speech and prisoners of conscience.
"The visit is a chance to assess conditions in Tibet at first hand and to continue dialogue on human rights issues directly with authorities in Tibet. Both Amnesty International and Friends of Tibet have encouraged me to take up the invitation.
"I go there with an open mind and a readiness to give credit where positive changes are occurring but also to be critical on things that are inconsistent with international human rights standards.
"New Zealand enjoys a good relationship with China and the strength of links – political, trade and people-to-people between our two countries is growing.
"Within the context of that relationship however we have full and frank discussions about issues on which we disagree, including human rights.
"We welcome progress within China including its memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Human Rights Commission, its ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and moves to implement the rule of law.
"A key goal of the visit to Tibet is to learn more about Tibet on the ground and to engage in dialogue with officials to encourage further progress in the area of human rights," Mr Goff said.
The Minister will also visit Hong Kong where he will meet Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and new Chief Secretary for Administration, Donald Tsang Yam Kuen. Mr Goff will discuss a variety of issues including the proposal for a Closer Economic Partnership agreement with Hong Kong.
ENDS
Goff visit to Tibet/Hong Kong May 28-June 4
Accommodation
in Lhasa, Tibet: Himalaya Hotel, ph 008 891 633
1430
Accommodation details for Xigatze, Tibet yet to be
confirmed.
Accommodation in Hong Kong: Renaissance
Harbour View Hotel, ph 00852 2802 8888
Time Difference
New Zealand is four hours AHEAD of Tibet and Hong Kong.
Itinerary
Monday 28 May (Auckland/Melbourne/Singapore)
1520 Depart Auckland for
Melbourne
1715 Arrive Melbourne
1800 Depart Melbourne
for Singapore
2345 Arrive Singapore
Tuesday 29 May (Singapore/Chengdu/Lhasa)
0115 Depart Singapore for
Beijing
0715 Arrive Beijing
0845 Depart Beijing for
Chengdu, Tibet
1115 Arrive Chengdu
1215 Depart Chengdu
for Lhasa
1430 Arrive Lhasa
PM Visit Jokhang Temple
and environs.
Wednesday 30 May (Lhasa)
AM Official
calls.
PM Potala Palace
Thursday 31 May (Lhasa)
AM
Official calls.
PM Official calls and visit to Drepung
Monastery
Friday 1 June (Lhasa/Xigatze)
Travel to
Xigatze (approx 6 hours)
Official calls.
Monastery
visit.
Saturday 2 June (Xigatze/Lhasa)
Travel to
Lhasa
Visit ODA project en route
Sunday 3 June (Lhasa/Chengdu/Hong Kong)
0940 Depart Lhasa for
Chengdu
1125 Arrive Chengdu
1410 Depart Chengdu for
Hong Kong
1640 Arrive Hong Kong
Monday 4 June
1430
Call on Hon Rita Fan, President of the Legislative
Council.
1530 Call on Hon Donald Tsang, Chief Secretary
for Administration.
1630 Call on Tung Chee Hwa, Chief
Executive.
1700 Call on CY Leung, Convenor of the
Executive Council.
2025 Depart Hong Kong for
Auckland.
Tuesday 5 June
1110 Arrive Auckland.
ENDS