As you know, in the past two weeks, the People's Republic of China (PRC) announced that it was conducting its' own search for the Panchen Lama and that it would not recognize the Dalai Lama's selection. The PRC has absolutely no authority to choose the next Panchen Lama. Only The Dalai Lama has the right to select the Panchen Lama. The PRC also has no legal justification to hold Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, his family, or members of the search party as hostages.

It is very critical and urgent that we all write Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and the U.S. Government and other government officials and demand that the real Panchen Lama, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, be released as well as others associated with his selection. To date, there has been no communication with the Panchen Lama nor has there been any evidence that he is still alive. We must all support His Holiness, The Dalai Lama's selection of this important spiritual leader and fight for his security. If the PRC does not want to recognize Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, then they should release this six year boy to the Tibetan community-in-exile. Please write your letters or send a fax immediately to the addresses that follow and other appropriate organizations: