Mr H.E. Dr Sha Hailin agreed to the meeting following a visit to the University of Limerick (UL) yesterday with the Chinese Premier, Mr Wen Jiabao, at which some 200 peace activists staged a peaceful protest.

Student protesters greeted the visiting Chinese delegation with chants and slogans about alleged human rights abuses in China and Tibet.

The Chinese ambassador was said to be visibly upset at the welcome, and following the intervention of the UL president, Dr Roger Downer, discussions took place over the nature of the students’ protests.

A spokesperson for the Irish Peace Society, Ms Elaine Byrne, said issues to be raised include co-operation with UN human rights mechanisms, human rights abuses, the death penalty, freedom of expression and the situation in Tibet.

“The Irish Peace Society believes that the fight against human rights abuses is ongoing, and, unlike the situation in Iraq, does not necessarily require photographic or video evidence to place and maintain it on the international agenda.

“Amnesty International has made numerous reports on continuing human rights violations by China.

“The Irish Peace Society will raise these issues and those of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue," said Mr Byrne

Source: Irish Times