THE TRIBUNE, August 18, Chandigarh, India

Tribune News Service

DHARAMSALA, August 17, 1997 -- Expressing serious concern over the religious repression in Tibet, Congressman Benjamin Gilman, Chairman of the House International relations Committee, today urged China to enter into negotiations with the Dalai Lama for amicably resolving the Tibetan issue.

Mr. Gilman along with his wife and five other representatives today met the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama in his palace at McLeod Ganj, the headquarters of the Tibetan Government-in-exile. The US Congressional delegation was here in India to attend the celebrations of 50 years of Indian Independence.

Addressing the exiled Tibetans outside the main cathedral in McLeod Ganj. Mr. Gilman said strong action must be taken against those resorting to cultural and religious repression. He said the international community was concerned over the religious repression of the Tibetans within their homeland.

Expressing solidarity for the Tibetan cause he said, "We have stood by the Tibetans for many years and will continue to do so till the ultimate objective of freedom is achieved". He said the appointment of a special coordinator for Tibetan affairs by the Clinton Administration was a welcome step. "The coordinator will act as a focal point and stress upon the need for resolving the issue of Tibet", he said.

Mr. Gilman said; "It is a matter of pride that we are trying to resolve the Tibetan issue peacefully, honorably and non-violently the reward of which we shall get sooner or later".

The delegation flew down to Pathankot from where they drove to McLeod Ganj to meet the Dalai Lama. They held elaborate talks over the Tibetan issue with the spiritual leader. Despite continuous rain, hundreds of Tibetans gathered to thank the Congressmen for constantly supporting their cause and moving several resolutions in the US Congress, recommending a change in the policy on Tibet.

Mr. Bhuchung Tsering, who is the communication director of the Washington based NGO, the International Campaign for Tibet, said the special coordinator would monitor the human rights violations in Tibet and act as a mediator between the Dalai Lama and China.

Mr. Tsering said, the arrival of the US delegation in Dharamsala was a major events as it would send signals to China that the American Congress supports the Dalai Lama's endeavor for peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue.

He said Mr. Gilman had held a number of hearings on Tibet Which would give an opportunity to Tibetan and foreign witnesses to relate their better experiences in Tibet.

Mr. Tsering thanked the Congressmen for the help being extended to the fresh arrivals from the Tibet into Nepal and India by giving financial aid through the UN High Commission for refugees.

The Tibetan Youth Congress president, Mr. Tsetan Norbu, speaking on behalf of eight NGO's, thanked the US Congress for being a pillar of strength to the Tibetans.

In his talk with US Congressional delegation, the Dalai Lama said despite his willingness to accept self-rule and not complete independence the Chinese were still not ready for negotiations on the Tibetan issue. He however, made it clear it was not possible for him to go against history, by agreeing that Tibet was a part of China and not an independent nation.

The delegation briefed the Dalai Lama about their talks with Chinese. The other members of the US Congressional delegation who came here are Mrs. Georgia Gilman, representatives Gary Ackerman and Enl F.H. Fallomavaega and Mrs. Leslie Vossen, Second Secretary, US Embassy.