< FREEDOM FOR TIBET/DEMOCRACY IN CHINA ! - #43 >

Newsletter on the campaigns of the Radical Party for the freedom of Tibet and the democracy on China.

"I truly believe that individuals can make a difference in society. Since periods of great change such as the present one come so rarely in human history, it is up to each of us to make the best use of our time to help create a happier world".

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, 1992

Issue #43, November 6, 1996

Editors office: Massimo Lensi, Dorottya u. 3.III.em6 - 1051 Budapest (H)Tel. +36-1-266.34.86 - 266.09.35 Fax. +36-1-11.87.937

E-mail: M.Lensi@agora.stm.it WWW-URL http://www.agora.stm.it/pr - Telnet: Agora.stm.it

Distribution; Alberto Novi, rue Belliard 89, Rem 508, 1047 Brussels (B)Tel: +32-2-2304121 - Fax: +32-2-2303670

Published in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Hungarian, Croatian and Rumanian

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THE "ONE FLAG FOR TIBET" CAMPAIGN OPENS.

THE OBJECTIVE IS TO HAVE 3,000 MAYORS OF THE WORLD SUPPORT IT FOR MARCH 9TH AND 10TH, 1997.

THE FIRST 68 SUPPORTERS.

In the final document of the second International Conference of Tibet Support Groups in Bonn it was reaffirmed that the 1997 "One Flag for Tibet" campaign would be of fundamental importance in order to make the 9th and 10th of next March great days for the freedom of Tibet. The campaign, which was inserted in the preparation plans for the 1998 Satyagraha, was born with the motive of increasing the institutional reserve of support for the struggle, and involving the maximum possible number of municipal representatives and territorial administrations. It is a difficult strategy to realize, but it is based on the great successes of last year and points to the achievement of the objective in 1997. 3,000 community flags will, on March 9th and 10th of 1997, fly the flag of the lion of the snows. last year more than 600 cities participated, and among them were numerous capitals. This year, after numerous months of preparation, of study of geographical reserves of support and their respective nations, we are prepari

ng to send, in the coming days, numerous letters by mail, while we remain in strict coordination with the numerous Tibet Support Groups and the Tibetan Community in Switzerland.

We have already had the first responses and new pledges of support, along with the confirmation of numerous mayors who participated in 1996. 68 mayors are supporting the plan as of November 4th. It is a small base at the beginning but, considering the importance of this occasion, it makes it even more necessary to give your support. The objective of 3,000 mayors is difficult, though not impossible. Contact your mayor, send materials to him or her (available from the TRP office in Brussels), and fix an appointment with him as soon as possible in order to explain the initiative.

One last bit of good news: after the assignment of the 1996 Sacharov prize to Wei Jingsheng, the archbishop of Johannesburg, Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 1989, supports Wei Jingsheng's candidacy to the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.

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MARCH 9TH AND 10TH,1997:

A FLAG FOR TIBET; ALREADY 68 MAYORS SUPPORT THE ACTION.

The list, for the moment, is divided in two sections: "Confirmed 1996" for the mayors who participated last year and who confirm their participation for this year and the : "New Supporters" list for those mayors who are taking part in this event for the first time. Among these important participants is the mayor of Strausburg and European deputy, Catherine TRAUTMANN.

In these days many mailings are taking place - in Italy, Spain, Hungary, Norway, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Sloven, Belgium, and Austria - in collaboration with the Tibetan community in Switzerland and the numerous Tibet Support Groups.

We turn also to the non-European Tibet Support Groups who also wish to take part in the campaign. We are thinking, in particular of our friends in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa, India, Mexico, and the American islands. You may put yourself in contact with the TRP in Brussels (paolo Atzori or Tiziana Falletti Tel: 32-2-284 - 230.41.21) for any information. This campaign needs people who, in the coming months, can dedicate time to solicit their mayors to support the campaign.

We get the chills, and we are nervous because the campaign is only 125 days away, and we hope to recruit the remaining 2,932 dollars before March 9th at 3:00 pm

Good luck to all.

*Numbers by country

Confer.96 Supp. 97 To

---------------------------------------------

Belgium 17 - 17

Spain 3 - 3

France 23 2 25

Hungary 3 - 3

Italy 15 - 15

Luxembourg 4 - 4

Netherlands 1 - 1

---------------------------------------------

Total 66 2 68

* New supporters for 1997

- France (2)

Claude MARTEEL, Sindaco di BRAY-DUNES; Léon PANIER, Sindaco di GRAVELINES;

* Confirmations 1996

- Belgium (17)

Daniel BACQUELAINE, Mayor of CHAUDEFONTAINE; François BELLOT, Mayor of ROCHEFORT; Maurice CORNE, Mayor of THEUX; Jean-Pierre DETREMMERIE, Mayor of MOUSCRON; Francis DURIAU, Mayor of SCHAERBEEK; Jean DUTRIEUX,

Mayor of ECAUSSINNES; Didier GOSUIN,Mayor of AUDERGHEM; Yves de JONGHE d'ARDOYE, Mayor of IXELLES; C. HUART, Mayor of PERUWELZ; Maurice LAFOSSE,

Mayor of MONS; Patrick MORIAU, Mayor of CHAPELLELESHERLAIMONT; Jan PEUMANS, Sindaco di RIEMST; Luc PIETTE, Mayor of ANHEE; Ghislain SENDEN

Mayor of OLNE; Marc TARABELLA, Mayor of ANTHISNES; Jacques VANDENHAUTE, Vice-Mayor of WOLUWE-ST-PIERRE; Daniel VANKERKOVE, Mayor of ITTRE;

- Spain (3)

Gil BELTRAY CEALERO, Mayor of MENGIBAR; José-Manuel DIAZ-SALAZAR MARTIN DE ALMAGRO, Mayor of DAIMIEL; Begoña LOPEZ TOLOSA, Mayor of IBARRA;

- France (23)

Louis ABRARD, Mayor of GUILLASTRE; Jean-Marie ANDRE, Mayor of BEAUCAIRE; Paul ASTIER Mayor of BONDUES; Jean-Jacques BILLAZ, Mayor of ST-PIERRE d'ALLEVARD; André BOUFFIER, Mayor of MONJUSTIN; Gérard CAUDRON, Mayor of VILLENEUVE D'ASQ, MEP; Bernard CHENOT, Mayor of LA HAYE DU PUITS; Jean-Luc DAUPHIN, Mayor of VILLENEUVE-SUR-YONNE; Jean-Jacques DESCAMPS; mayor of LOCHES; Michel GALMICHE, Mayor of MOLLAU; Pascal GARRIDO, Mayor of LA TALAUDIERE; Jean-Luc GRECAUD, Mayor of OLONNE SUR MER; Jacques GUYARD, Maire d'EVRY; Guy JOUHIER, Maire d'ACIGNE; Alain LEFEVRE, Maire d'AIX-NOULETTE; Pierre LE TREUT, Mayor of CHATEAUGIRON; André LINDER, Mayor of WOLSCHWILLER; Noël MAMERE, Sindaco di BEGLES; Yves MARTIN, Mayor of ECHENOZ LA MELINE; Michel PAJON, Mayor of NOISY-LE-GRAND; Jean-Louis PFLIMLIN, Mayor of KOETZINGUE; Daniel PICOTIN, Mayor of ST-CIERS-SUR GIRONDE; Catherine TRAUTMANN, MEP, Mayor of STRASBURGO;

- Hungary (3)

Jozsef HIERCZEG, Mayor of PAKS; Lajos SZIRTES, Mayor of ZALAKAROS; Tamas WITTINGHOFF, Mayor of BUDAORS;

- Italy (14)

Paolo BARGIACCHI, Mayor of VILLA MINOZZO; Emilio BOLLA, Mayor of BRICHERASIO; Mario CALIGIURI, Mayor of CATANZARO; Enrico FRANCESCHELLI, Mayor of MANCIANO; Fabio FURIOLI, Mayor of MALCESINE; Domenico GUIDI, Mayor of BASSIANO; Luigi IOCCA, President of the Community Council of BUCCINASCO; Maurizio MIZZA, Mayor of LUSAVERA; Osvaldo NAPOLI, Mayor of GIAVENO; Lino POGLIANI, Mayor of SENAGO; Siro LUCCHINI, Mayor d'ARENA PO; Aurelio PARIALI, Mayor of PORTOMAGGIORE; Nunzio PARRINELLO, Mayor of MALETTO; Aldo PRECI, Mayor of ZOCCA; Salvatore TANIELI, Mayor of SAN DONATO;

- Luxembourg (4)

Henri FRANK, Mayor of MANTERNACH; Irma KRIPPES-DAHM, Mayor of MOMPACH; Arthur SINNER, Mayor of ROESER; Carlo WAGNER, Mayor of WORMELDANGE;

- Netherlands (1)

H.L HERES, Mayor of REIDERLAND;

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9-10 DECEMBER:

WALK AROUND FOR THE LIBERTY OF THE PANCHEN LAMA AND WEI JINGSHENG

In Paris, the "France-Tibet" association has started organizing the "24-Hour Walk Around" at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our friends at "France-Tibet" inform us that they will also organize a Walk-Around at the National Assembly, where a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs was requested for December 10th. A delegation of marchers will also meet at the Elysee'. "France-Tibet" will is pre-disposed to set up an information booth with a Tibetan tent at the Rue Esnault Pelterie (the Air France Invalides Metro station)

* in Paris: France-Tibet (Tel/fax 33-1-46.04.86.91)

Cities where a Walk Around will take place (as of Nov. 4th): Brussels (Belgium), Paris (France), Bourdeaux, Marseilles (France), Rome, Turin (Italy), Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria).

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PARTICIPATION FORM FOR THE WALK AROUND

(image of the Panchen Lama) (image of Wei)

( ) I support the Dec. 9th and 10th Walk Around for the liberation of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, and for the freedom of Wei Jingsheng, the Chinese dissident.

( ) I intend to work on the preparation committee of the initiative in

............................. (country).

( ) I intend to participate in the Walk Around that will take place in

.............................. (country).

* The hour I prefer to walk is:

- from.......to....... on Dec. 9th

- from.......to....... on Dec. 10th

First and last name:.......................................

Complete Address:..........................................

...........................................................

...........................................................

Country:...................................................

Telephone:.................................................

Fax:.......................................................

E-Mail:....................................................

Profession:................................................

Organization:..............................................

Note:......................................................

...........................................................

...........................................................

...........................................................

* we kindly request that you print this participation form and return it to one the following:

- by mail: Transnational Radical Party, Rue Belliard 97-113, Rem 508, 1047 Brussels (Belgium)

- by fax: +32-2-230.36.70 - 284.91.98 / 97

- by E-Mail: pr.bruxelles@agora.stm.it

* you may also declare your participation and that of other people by telephone at +32-2-230.41.21

________________________________________________

WEI JINGSHENG FOR THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE IN 1997.

THE ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU, NOBEL PEACE PRIZE LAUREATE IN 1989, SUPPORTS WEI'S CANDIDACY.

In recent days an additional 20 Parliamentarians, University Professors, and Nobel laureates have signed the candidacy nomination, bringing the total to 584 signatures (407 Parliamentarians, 174 Professors, Two government members, and one Nobel laureate).

* Nobel Laureates

Arc.Desmond TUTU (Sud Africa, 1989).

* Parlamentarians

Agron DIDA (Kossov, LDK), Adem BAJRI (Kossov, LDK), Marcello PERA (Italy, FI), Gisèle GARDEYN-DEBEVER (Belgium, CVP), Didier REYNDERS (Belgium, PRL), Gaston MOREIRA OSTRIA (Bolivia, Accion Democratica Nacionalista), Zdenek SKROMACH (Czech rep., CSSD), Stjepan MESIC (Croatia, HND), Mirsad VELAZDIC (Bosnia, SDA).

* Professors of Law, Political Science, Philosophy, and History

Stefania BARIATTI (University of Sassari), Cesare MOZZARELLI (University of Sacro Cuore di Milano), Kudret ÇELA (University of Tirana, and Minister of Justice), Theodhor KARAI (University of Tirana), Perlat LAME (University of Tirana), Hysen XHAJA (University of Tirana), Yordan RADENKOV (Unicersity of Sofia), Emilio DOLCINI (University of Milano), Giacomo Carlo SATTA (University of Milano), Alceo RIOSA (University of Milano).

* TIBET CHINA TELEX *

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ATPD/SUPPORT FOR LUI XIAOBO

The October 19th Assembly of the Deputies of the Tibetan people sent to the secretary general of the UN, following the arrest of Chinese literary critic LIU Xiaobo for his harsh criticism of the Chinese occupation of Tibet, an appeal for the immediate release of LIU. (WTNN)

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USA/TIBETAN FREEDOM TOUR

The "Tibetan Freedom Tour" sponsored by the Milarepa Fund is about to reach New York, where, with the help of the "Tibetan Youth Association" and "Students for a Free Tibet," it will conclude its tour of the schools of the east coast and midwest with a demonstration in front of the Chinese embassy. "Begin negotiations with Tibet, stop the occupation of Tibet, respect Human Rights, free the Panchen Lama and Wei Jingsheng" were the slogans that accompanied the tour.

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ARGENTINA/CROATIA/WEI NOBEL PRIZE 1997

A campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize for Wei Jingsheng has begun in Argentina under the initiative of Maria Cristina GUZMAN. Also, in Croatia, after an intervention by Marina SIKORA of the TRP at the sessions of the Congress of the Party for Democratic Action (SDA) - the largest party of the Bosnian minority in Croatia- the deputies Stjepan MESIC, president of HND, and Mirsad VELAZDIC, Bosnian Parliamentarian of the SDA, signed a proposal of candidacy for WEI.

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HRIC/APPEAL FOR WANG DAN

The "Human Rights in China" association is gathering signatures for an appeal directed at the Chinese institutions for the immediate liberation of the dissident Wang DAN, who was recently condemned to 11 years of prison after a political trial that took place in Peking.

For more information: : hrichina@igc.org

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MEP DELEGATION IN TIBET

A Socialist delegation consisting of three members of the European Parliament visited Tibet this week to initiate a work of mediation with the Chinese government on the question of Tibet. The delegation consisted of Bernie MALONE (Ireland), Luigi COLAJANNI (Italy) e Joan COLOM I NAVAL (Spain) (WTNN).

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HUNGARY/TIBET INTERGROUP

Even in the Hungarian parliament a Parliamentary intergroup on Tibet has been formed. The group, whose promoters are deputy Zoltan HAJDU of the Liberal democrats and Ivan SZABO of the Popular party, foresees the participation of all the Hungarian political groups.

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TRP/TIBETAN WEEK IN BULGARIA

An initiative for the freedom of Tibet is taking place in the schools of Varna (Bulgaria), the city on the Black Sea that registered the largest number of fasters on the Oct. 2nd fasting dialogue. thanks to the involvement of Takuhi BAGDASARIAN, teacher, and Michele BOSELLI of the TRP a week of lessons and information were given on Tibet in numerous scholastic institutes of the Bulgarian city. The detention of the young Panchen Lama inspired great attention among the students.

* PRESS RELEASE *

* "Il titolare del Premio Sacharov si trova in prigione" in Magyar Nemzet (Hungary) on Oct. 26th. On the Sacharov Prize of 1996 for Wei. (11430 Conf.Part.Rad.)

* "Il Dalai Lama a Budapest" by Istvan KLATYK in Magyar Hirlap (Hungary) on Oct. 29th. On the visit of the Dalai Lama to Budapest. (1559 Conf.Tibet)

* "Dialogo costruttivo a favore del Tibet" by Gabor SZEGO in Nepszabadsag (Hungary) on Oct. 29th. Interview with the Dalai Lama.

* "Le Tibet sacrifie" by Claude LEVENSON in Liberation (France) on Oct. 29th. "The question of Tibet is fundamentally a political question". (1556 Conf.Tibet)

* "Chine: le tour de vis" by Xavier GANGE in L'Express (France) Oct. 20-30. On the latest arrest of dissidents in China.

* Non ci saranno osservatori" in Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland) on Oct. 30th. On the trial of Wang Dan in Peking.

* Wang Dan au goulag pour l'exemple" by Caroline PUEL in Libération (France) on Oct. 31st. On the trial of Wang Dan in Peking. (1565 Conf.Tibet)

* "4 ore, 11 anni" in Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland) on Oct. 31st. On the trial of Wang Dan in Peking.

* "Tibet" in Elixir (Hungary) Nov. Interview with Chope Paljor TSERING, representative of the Dalai Lama in Budapest.

* "La condamnation du dissident Wang Dan suscite une émotion internationale" by Francis DERON in Le Monde (France) on Nov. 1st. On the trial of Wang Dan in Peking. (1566 Conf.Tibet)

* "Beijing Tyranny" in The New York Times (USA) Nov. 1st. On the trail of Wang Dan in Peking. (1569 Conf.Tibet)

* Radio Devnya (Bulgaria) on Nov. 3rd. Interview with Michelle BOSELLI by Darina A. STEFANOVA on the activities of the TRP in Bulgaria with particular attention to Tibet and China. (11425 Con.Part.Rad.)

*"Awarded" in Newsweek on Nov. 4th. On the sacharov prize to Wei Jingsheng.

The archival codes for the multilingual telematic system Agora' are in between parentheses (telnet: agora.stm.it)