The support group of Tibet of the Riigikogu expresses its indignation about the activities of the People's Republic of China in Tibet. The latest news testify to Peking's another attempt to politicize the institution of the leader of religion of Panchen Lama, the second of importance to Tibet, and deprive the Dalai Lama, currently in exile, of his historic right at determining and acknowledging Panchen Lama's reincarnation.

The Chinese authorities are not satisfied with the Dalai Lama's supported candidature of Panchen lama. Last week a conference was organized in order to present the so-called China-minded candidates of Panchen Lama. At the same time the Monastery of Tashilhunpo, historic residence of Panchen Lamas, has temporarily been closed and a great number of lamas arrested. Public meetings as well as discussions concerning the problems of determining the reincarnation of the Panchen lama have been prohibited.

Sanctions of this kind should be considered as trampling upon Tibetan people's religious freedom and another attempt to subordinate the Tibetan institutions to the control of Peking which makes a part of decades long cultural genocide.

Wherewith we draw publicity's attention to the interference of the People's Republic of China with the observance of Tibetan religious traditions as well as the political persecution of lamas. The support group of Tibet of the Riigikogu condemns Chinese authorities' actions of this kind.