IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 1995
New York, October 26: The six Tibetans who are on a hunger strike before the United Nations since October 14, 1995 broke their fast this evening at the direct intervention of H.H.the Dalai Lama.
In a personal message, the Dalai Lama lauded the courage and the sense of devotion of the six Tibetans. " I feel that the seriousness and the sincerity with which you have been undertaking your fast has in itself conveyed your message to the international community. I am, therefore, asking you to end your hunger strike," the Dalai Lama said.
The Dalai Lama's message was preceded by appeals from several personalities, including Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Chairman of the House International Relations Committee Benjamin Gilman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms and Ranking member Claiborne Pell, Senator Daniel Moynihan and other congressmen. They all requested the hunger strikers to end their fast. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright released a special statement in connection with the issues raised by the Tibetan hunger strikers. She reiterated the Clinton Administration's continued effort to urge the Chinese Government to engage in serious negotiations with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions. The statement further mentioned that the United States, along with like-minded countries, hopes to continue raise the Tibetan issue.
As a result of tremendous pressure from world leaders, NGOs, parliamentarians and religious leaders, UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali today sent an emissary to meet the hunger strikers. Several diplomats and NGO representatives also went to meet the six Tibetans. This morning a special inter-faith service was held at the venue of the hunger strike participated by Christian, Jewish, Jain and Buddhist representatives.
However, the motivating factor for the six Tibetans to break their fast was a message received from the Dalai Lama. His Holiness' message was conveyed to them by his Representative, Rinchen Dharlo. " The six hunger strikers were deeply touched when I read His Holiness the Dalai Lama's message to them," said Representative Dharlo.
EXCERPTS OF MESSAGES FROM PERSONALITIES TO THE SIX TIBETAN HUNGER STRIKERS
Elie Wiesel on October 26, 1995
"But I ask you please do stop your hunger strike because we, and I, need you alive to continue the battle to free your homeland."
Senators Jesse Helms and Claiborne Pell on October 25, 1995
"We urge you not to give up your own struggle by giving up your lives. Your sacrifice, however noble, would not help the people of Tibet. The Tibetan cause needs every man and woman willing and able to carry on the struggle through peaceful means.
"please know that the U.S. Senate will continue to champion your cause. We strongly urge you to end your hunger strike and continue the struggle along with us."
Congressman Charlie Rose on October 25, 1995
" Your actions today provide even greater hope for tomorrow. I commend you for your dedication and solemnly request that today you bring this hunger strike to a successful close. Our higher calling is to stand together in the face of today's adversity to bring peace and harmony to Tibet, to China and to the Earth."
Congressman Benjamin Gilman on October 25, 1995
"Your courage and commitment are truly admirable.
"We are, however, deeply concerned about your deteriorating health.
We stand by you, but strongly encourage an alternative path in achieving your demands. We believe no more lives should be lost in the struggle for the people of Tibet. We wish you success in your endeavors, and we reaffirm our support for the Tibetan cause."
Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan on October 25, 1995
"As a long-time supporter of the Tibetan people, I write to express my deep concern about your deteriorating health, and to ask that you end your hunger strike. Your resolve is clear, but there are numerous other ways in which you can continue to work with your countrymen to achieve your aims. While I feel a sense of solidarity with your cause, I must echo the sentiments of A.M. Rosenthal when he said: "But please do not die."
Congressman Neil Abercrombie on October 25, 1995
"I strongly support your efforts and your goals. I am, however, deeply concerned that you are seriously jeopardizing your own personal well-being. Too many Tibetans have already lost their lives and many continue to silently suffer under Beijing's rule. We need your voice to continue our fight for Tibetans and we cannot afford to lose you in one battle. I urge you to work with me and the Congress on alternative means of achieving your laudable goals."
Dr. Ingrid Laux (emissary of the UN Secretary-General) on October 26, 1995 (she visited the hunger strikers)
" I am here as the representative of the Secretary-General. I have reported to the Secretary-General about your suffering and your determination to do something for your country. The Secretary- General wanted me to convey his concern to you and he urges you for humanitarian reasons to please stop the fast."
MESSAGES FROM RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND NGO REPRESENTATIVES
From The Temple of Understanding, a global interfaith association on October 25, 1995
"With many other organizations and individuals we will take your central message to the UN over and over again from many religious and spiritual leaders if you stop your hunger strike."
Anti-Defamation League on October 25, 1995
In a special resolution the League said, "The New York regional board of the Anti-Defamation League expresses its solidarity with the six Tibetans who, with extraordinary valor and conviction, are currently engaging in a hunger strike. "
