Message-Id: <3.0.5.32.19980622093836.007e12c0@hella.stm.it>

Date: Mon, 22 Jun 1998 09:38:36 +0200

From: Tibetan Youth Congress

Subject: From Tibetan Youth Congress

Dear All TSG,

As soon as TYC heard the news about the self-immolation of Mr. Gilles Blanchard for the cause of Tibet, Tibetan Youth Congress, convened an executive meeting and paid rich tribute to the sacrifice and courageous deeds that he had displayed for the cause of Tibet. TYC sent the following message to the families and TSG, France through Representative office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama:

This morning we learned from AFP report datelined June 19 that according to the French police source Gilles Blanchard self-immolated on June 17 as a gesture of support to the Tibetan cause. We know how painful it is for you all to learn of his sudden and unfortunate death. The Tibetan Youth Congress on behalf of all the Tibetans in and outside Chinese-occupied Tibet join you in this moment of grief. Today the enterprises in Dharamsala remain closed as a mark of respect for Gilles Blanchard and we are all saying prayers for him and the wellbeing of his family members.

As Tibetans, we feel extremely inspired by the sacrifice made by Gilles Blanchard who in a letter found by the police in his residence had stated that he wanted to "engage in a peaceful action to help the Tibetans to free from the Chinese yoke and persecutions." We very much admire his strong sense of feeling and support for the Tibetan cause and we are certain that the sacrifice he has made will not go in vain.

Gilles Blanchard's peaceful action will be a source of hope for the Tibetan people who are suffering under the Chinese oppression in occupied Tibet.

It will also remind the world community, leaders and the Chinese Government that the issue of Tibet is of global concern and that even others are willing to sacrifice their life for the cause of a free Tibet. Gilles Blanchard has died for a good and humanitarian cause and we shall always remember him in our prayers and struggle for freedom from China.

With our very best wishes & Tashi Delek,

Yours sincerely,