Congress of the United States

Washington, D.C. 20515

President Jiang Zemin

Beijing

People's Republic of China

Dear President Jiang:

We are writing to express our deep concern over the current situation concerning the Panchen Lama of Tibet.

As you know, in the beginning of May, the Dalai Lama recognized six year old Gedhun (sic) Choekyi Nyima as the Eleventh Panchen Lama, in accordance with Tibetan tradition. According to reports, soon after this announcement, Gedhun, his parents, and Chatrel (sic) Rinpoche, head of the search committee for the Panchen Lama, disappeared. We would like to convey our great concern for the wlefare of Gedhum, his parents, and Chatrel Rinpoche.

We are also extremely disturbed by reports of the recent enthronement of another child as the next Panchen Lama, against the wishes of the Tibetan people. This is not only a blatant interference in a purely Tibetan tradition, but also a violation of the Tibetan people's fundamental human rights, including their rights to freedom of religion, speech, and association.

We in the Congress have long supported the efforts of the Dalai Lama to peacefully resolve the situation in Tibet through negotiations. The current activities by your government concerning the Panchen Lama are likely to lead to widespread dissatisfaction in Tibet and to further unrest. Such interference is no way to bridge the gap between your government and the Dalai Lama.

Thus, we urge you and your government to respect the long-standing traditions of the Tibetan people and to not interfere in their religious or cultural activities. We implore your assistance in securing the whereabouts and ensuring the safety of Gedhum, his parents, and Chatrel Rinpoche. We also urge you to take the necessary steps to begin substantigve negotiations with the Dalai Lama or his representative to bring long-lasting peace to Tibet. Such actions by you and your government will demonstrate to the international community your commitment to fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Sincerely,

(signed by the following members of Congress)

1) John Edward Porter

2) Tom Lantos

3) Gerald B.H. Solomon

4) Dana Rohrabacher

5) Nancy Pelosi

6) Neil Abercrombie

7) Donald M. Payne

8) Howard L. Berman

9) Patricia Schroeder

10) Barney Frank

11) Richard A. Zimmer

12) John Lewis

13) Christopher H. Smith

14) Luis Gutierrez

15) Christopher C. Cox

16) Michael R. McNulty

17) Richard J. Durbin

18) Frank R. Wolf

19) Thomas J. Manton

20) Peter A. DeFazio

21) Frank Pallone, Jr.

22) William O. Lipinski

23) Eleanor Holmes Norton

24) Ronald V. Dellums

25) David E. Bonior