8. Another subject requ1r1ng consideration was the protection of national sovereignty in multinational or ethnic States. He had detected a growing willingness on the part of States to facilitate greater devolution of power and local autonomy and to experiment with different ways of accommodating different groups with different values and cultures within their borders. The Soviet Union, for example, was conducting an interesting but difficult experiment which needed all possible support and patience. But problems were not always handled satisfactorily. In the case of China and the autonomous region of Tibet, allegations by non-governmental organizations were very different from statements by government observers. He hoped that the question of Tibet's autonomy, particularly its scope and content could be clarified, so as to facilitate the development of harmonious relations between China and the autonomous region. E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/SR.20 page 4 9. An important point in connection with ethnic groups was the way in which some of them exploited concern over minorities. In the case of Sri Lanka, he himself had been responsible for the first resolution adopted by the Sub-Commission in 1983, in which the Government had been criticized. The present Government had done what it could to accommodate, accept and develop arrangements for the devolution of power, but the response of the Tamil Tigers had been entirely unacceptable, and it was surprising that many non-governmental organizations espoused their cause and were unwilling to criticize the movement for its acts of brutality. 10. It would be useful if the Sub-Commission could examine, theme by theme, the many issues requiring attention with a view to finding the appropriate response, but there was no time. He could mention, for example, the tribal conflict in Somalia where leaders of many tribal groups, who had tried peacefully to convince the Government that there should be a process of 
**Analysis**
The text discusses issues related to national sovereignty, ethnic groups, and conflicts, which suggests that it is more focused on human rights and social issues rather than economic or environmental topics. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating that it is a report or statement from a government official or an international organization.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Culture