Published by: World Tibet Network News, Friday, Jun 08, 1996

Submitted by Kunzang Yuthok, TRC

Istanbul, June 7, 1996:

THE DOCUMENT:

Today, Johanne Abonader, Tsering Tsomo, Eva Herzer and Kunzang Yuthok lobbied government delegates who were going to deal with Para. 13 - where 'foreign occupation' is mentioned. We are not using Tibet as an example but citing precedent language that has recognized that "FO" is a fact of reality and does exist. Therefore, our rationale is that this should be retained and that those people living under FO are vulnerable.

The other NGOs are quite impressed with the Tibet NGO Delegation's language work which cites precedent language. We have not seen this supporting information from other causes or NGOs.

Today, the Tibet NGO Delegation almost made two interventions from the floor, however, the Chairman was not giving the NGOs any floor time since the negotiations were going so slowly. I tell you, it was quite exciting for a while (twice). We had our intervention written out in the format that is acceptable. We are getting support from other NGOs to have the opportunity to raise our language but unfortunately, the floor has not been given to the NGOs when we needed to speak.

We don't know if Committee 1 which is working on the document, will be working on Sunday. Other NGO reps who will be attending the night session will inform us on the progress of negotiations.

Also, the Chair and governments are not keen on the introduction of too much new language. Our language is already in the NGO Composite Document which they (UN & Govts) can refer to for possible new language. However, it seems like the addition of any 'new' language is practically impossible.

THE CONFERENCE

Most of the Heads of States are coming next week. Security is getting tighter with the preparations for their arrival.

Some government delegates (mostly from the G77 group) are staying in hotels in our area. Some in our "Otel"!

On Monday, Kunzang Yuthokave will meet with Mr. Bob Naiker of the Habitat Secretariat in Nairobi regarding the Habitat Accreditation issue. She will be accompanied by a US delegation staff member who is familiar with this whole issue.