Press Release Contact: Mary Beth Markey

John Ackerly

202-785-1515

WASHINGTON, August 20, 1997 (ICT) -- To avoid a near certain visa denial by the Chinese government, Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) traveled to Tibet last week unannounced on a tourist visa to investigate reports of persistent and systematic religious persecution.

Because the visit was unannounced, Wolf was able to move about freely and interview Tibetans through his own translator. The trip was sponsored by the U.S. Congress.

The Congressman says that he will be calling on the Administration to vigorously raise the issue of Tibet during the upcoming summit in October.

Congressman Wolf is a principal sponsor of the "Freedom from Religious Persecution Act" pending in the House and Senate.

Congressman Wolf will be releasing the findings of his trip, showing photos and making recommendations for the October summit at a press conference at:

National Press Club, Murrow Room, Wednesday, August 20 1:30 PM