DHARAMSALA, MAY 19-Tibetans have requested the World Bank not to finance the Chinese western poverty reduction project, as it would lead to destruction of natural environment of Tibet and exploitation of people.

In an appeal to President of the World Bank, Mr Jemes Wolfensohn, the President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, has said that the project to be approved on june 8, is not in the interest of Tibet. He requested the World Bank to withdraw support to the project as it will encourage and facilitate transfer of Chinese population into Tibet. The overpopulation may cause damage to the fragile ecological areas due to construction of dams, hydel projects and industries.

The Acharya said exploitation of minerals in Tibet will be undertaken in the interest of the Chinese government. He added that it will lead to reduction of opportunity for the Tibetans, who are already faced with the probelm of inadequate education and health facilities and unemployment due to overpopulation.

The NDPT President said that funding the project would amount to violation of the World Bank's own norms and guidelines, prohibiting projects that would hurt ethnic minority, a group that includes Tibetans.

The International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, also called upon the World Bank to reconsider its support for the Western poverty reduction project, as it includes the resettlement of over 60,000 non Tibetans in the Tibetan area.

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Last updated: 21-May-99