Published by: World Tibet Network News Monday - October - 6, 1997
Statement 1 October 1997
Regarding 2nd October action led by the organisation for the support of Tibet's struggle for freedom established by the Indian community
Parliamentary groups for the support of Tibet have been established in a number of states around the world, and are urging their governments to push for an unconditional start of peaceful negotiations between China and Tibet. The importance of such dialogue is recognised by the entire world. However, the situation in Tibet is changing for the worse. Therefore, it is the time for politicians and governments of all the world, the entire global community to insist that the Chinese authorities enter into a dialogue with His Holiness Dalai Lama.
A voluntary organisation established in India on 2 October, the day of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, is opening the Satyagraha action in Tibet. The purpose of this action - to encourage the start of unconditional negotiations with His Holiness, in order to:
1. Restitute the right of Tibetans to practice their religion, foster their culture and spiritual life.
2. Respect human rights, halt the replacement of population, liberate all the political prisoners, among them the youngest in the world political prisoner, 7 year old Panchen Lama.
3. Sustain the ecological balance in 'Tibet, not concentrate troops and military machinery in Tibet.
We would like to remind, that since 1959 more than a million of Tibetans were put to death, there even exists a forced birth control.
Actions taken by China evoked a strong response on the part of the goodwilled global community.
The Parliamentary group for the relations with Tibet of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania supports the action opening on 2 October and is planning to intensify its activities insisting on the dialogue between the Government of China and the leader of Tibet his Holiness Dalai Lama.
Romualda Hofertiene
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group
for the Relations with Tibet of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania