Statement on the Tibetan Hunger Strike in Geneva 1 May, 1999


Statement on the Tibetan Hunger Strike in Geneva 1 May, 1999

The Tibetan Government-in-Exile is greatly relieved that the Tibetan Youth Congress and the three Tibetans -- Reting Tenpa Tsering, Karma Yeshi and Pema Lhundup -- have called off their hunger strike in front of the United Nations in Geneva, following appeals from the United Nations and governments.

We salute the courage and determination of the hunger strikers. In the 26 days of their hunger strike they have brought to the attention of the United Nations and government delegates attending the Commission on Human Rights session the critical stage of the situation in Tibet.

The issues raised by the hunger strikers are all fundamental to the Tibetan issue. We welcome the initiatives of the United Nations agencies as well as of governments in addressing these issues. We believe that support to the Tibetan struggle is a validation of peaceful resolution of international conflicts. Even though the Chinese Government fails to respond positively to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s constructive and realistic proposals, the Tibetan people are committed to finding a negotiated solution to the Tibetan issue through non-violent means.

The hunger strike in Geneva and other related actions within the Tibetan community are indications of the increasing frustration building up among the Tibetans. A solution to the Tibetan problem has regional and international implications and does not concern the six million Tibetans alone. Therefore, the international community has the obligation to support His Holiness the Dalai Lama and encourage the Chinese leadership to respond positively to his offer to begin negotiations.

Tempa Tsering Information & International Relations Secretary
Released by the Tibet Bureau, Geneva

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Last updated: 1-May-99