Dharamsala, Sep 21 (IANS): The European Union (EU) has noted "worrying trends in key areas of human rights concern" in Tibet, it said in a statement.

"I noted worrying trends in key areas of human rights concern, including the heightened monitoring and restrictions placed on freedom of expression," a Brussels datelined press statement, quoting EU Special Representative for Human Rights Stavros Lambrinidis, said Friday.

Lambrinidis visited the ethnic Tibetan areas of Qinghai province and the Tibet Autonomous Region Sep 9 to 18.

The Chinese ministry for foreign affairs facilitated meetings throughout the visit.

He said there was persecution, arrest, and detention of people for peacefully expressing their views or legally exercising their professional duties.

"Throughout my visit, I underlined the EU's readiness to continue to work with China in promoting respective adherence to international human rights obligations and standards," he said.

The visit provided opportunities for the EU and China to engage in in-depth discussions on human rights at a senior level, on the basis of serious concerns. The two sides also discussed ways of promoting enhanced dialogue and results-oriented cooperation on human rights, the statement said.

Lambrinidis also visited the Potala Palace and Jokhang and Sera monasteries in Lhasa, where he met monks and members of monastery management committees.