International reaction to Tibet crisis

Here's what governments around the world are saying about Tibet. I've listed these from those comments most supportive of the Tibetans to otherwise (see Russia).

Czech: "The Czech government demands an immediate release of the detained people, and demands that they are not exposed to inhumane treatment," it said. It also urged access to the region for independent media, and the lifting of censorship.

USA: This was a smart thing to say on Condi's part:

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reiterated on Monday her call for China to show restraint in fighting the protests and urged Beijing to find a way to engage the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. "There's been a kind of missed opportunity for the Chinese to engage the Dalai Lama," Rice told reporters Monday. She said the Dalai Lama is a voice of authority, not a separatist, and he could "lend his moral weight" to helping stabilize Tibet.

Taiwan: Sounds like the Tibet crisis could become a factor in the upcoming Taiwan elections.

Taiwan's ruling party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh attended a candle-light vigil Monday for Tibetans killed during China's military crackdown on unrest in the Himalayan region.

His rival Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang, who favours improved ties with Beijing, sent a representative to the venue.

Germany: Germany's foreign ministry said: "Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation of the situation and to enable a peaceful end to the conflict. Minister (Frank-Walter) Steinmeier calls on his Chinese counterparts to offer as much transparency as possible over the events in Tibet."

Australia: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said China's crackdown in Tibet was disturbing, and also called for restraint. ``While we respect China's sovereignty over Tibet there are many, many problems when it comes to human rights abuses,'' he told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio.

UK: Rallies were held Monday in London outside the Chinese Embassy and Downing Street.

The Prime Minister insisted that violent clashes on the streets of the disputed territory must stop, and urged Beijing to resolve the situation through "dialogue".

"We have made our views known to the Chinese authority," Mr Brown told MPs. "We believe there should be restraint and an end to violence. And we believe there should be a dialogue - and that should happen soon."

EU: European Union repeated its call for "restraint on all sides".

Japan: Japan's foreign minister said: "I would like to know clearly what the situation is and the facts behind what has happened. I hope all parties involved will deal with this calmly and ensure that the number of those killed and injured does not worsen any further."

India: India is host to the Dalai Lama. His government-in-exile is based in India.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said there has been no change in India's policy towards China since 1959 and that India had already expressed its concern over the developments in Lhasa. Quoting a statement issued by his ministry, he said: "We are distressed by reports of the unsettled situation and violence in Lhasa, and by the deaths of innocent people". (more here)

Russia: What to make of this?

Russia voiced support for the Chinese government over the violence in Tibet, saying it hopes "Chinese authorities will take all necessary measures to stop illegal actions and provide for the swiftest possible normalization of the situation." The Foreign Ministry said any efforts to boycott the Beijing Olympics are "unacceptable."

North Korea: condemned the riots and said protesters were trying to ``scuttle'' the Beijing Olympic Games, the official Korea Central News Agency cited the Foreign Ministry as saying. North Korea depends on aid from China after years of flooding, drought and economic mismanagement.

For IOC reactions, see this post.
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Sources: As noted, otherwise BBC, UK Press, AP, Guardian