Poor showing

Published on 18/02/2013 00:00

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond is reported as having recently described China as a wonderful country and highlighted the educational, trade and cultural links with Scotland. But the government of this “wonderful country” has an appalling human rights record, not least during its occupation of Tibet since invading that independent country in 1959.

The contrast between the UK government’s recognition of Scotland’s right to an independence referendum and the continuing suppression in Tibet could not be more striking. Salmond’s refusal to meet the exiled Dalai Lama, who seeks reasonable autonomy for his country rather than independence, does little for the reputation of the First Minister.

DAVID HANNAY

Carsluith

Dumfries & Galloway