China slams UN Tibet comments

BEIJING - A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry on Monday slammed accusations by Navanethem Pillay, the UN high commissioner for human rights, involving Tibet and urged her to stop making remarks interfering in Chinese domestic affairs.

"We are dissatisfied with and strongly opposed to the high commissioner's statement," said Hong Lei of Pillay's remarks on Friday that urged China to address frustrations with human rights in Tibet.

Hong told a regular press briefing that people in Tibet are enjoying economic growth, social stability and a settled life. Their religious, political, economic and cultural rights are guaranteed.

With regard to the self-immolations taking place lately in China's Tibetan-populated regions, Hong said the Dalai Lama clique clamorously prettified such activities that were against China's laws and religious doctrine.

"The clique has talked black into white, passed the buck to the Chinese government, and made accusations about China's national and religious policies. Such despicable behavior with the sacrifice of other people's lives goes against human morals and conscience, and should be severely condemned," Hong said.

He added that China hopes the high commissioner will uphold an objective, fair and neutral stance, and stop issuing remarks interfering in China's domestic affairs.

According to the spokesman, people in Tibetan-populated regions are satisfied with the current situation. He stressed that China opposes any foreign government, organization or people interfering in its internal affairs in any form.