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