INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET

WASHINGTON, D.C

For Immediate Release Contact: Bhuchung Tsering

October 31, 1997

John Ackerly 202-785-1515

State Department Names Tibet Coordinator

The International Campaign for Tibet today welcomed Mr. Greg Craig, the newly appointed Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the U.S. Department of State. Given his current position as the Director of Policy Planning at the Department of State, Mr. Craig will be in an excellent situation to implement the objectives of promoting substantive negotiations between the Dalai Lama or his representatives and the Chinese leadership to resolve the Tibetan problem.

Chinese President Jiang Zemin during his visit to Washington, D.C. failed to respond positively to the Administrations' support for the Dalai Lama's call for unconditional dialogue on Tibet. "I believe this announcement of the Special Coordinator while President Jiang is still on American soil is an indication of the importance the Clinton Administration treats the issue of Tibet," said Lodi Gyari the President of the International Campaign for Tibet. When Mr. Craig called Lodi Gyari today, Mr. Gyari said that he "looked forward to working with him as he develops a comprehensive and proactive policy on Tibet."

It is both in the interest of the Tibetan and the Chinese people to peacefully resolve the Tibetan problem through negotiations. "It is my hope that the Chinese leadership will cooperate fully with Mr. Craig as he undertakes his responsibility of promoting Sino-Tibetan dialogue and the promotion of human rights and rule of law for the Tibetan people," Mr. Gyari said.

The appointment of the Special Coordinator sends a powerful message to the people of Tibet that their plight has not been forgotten and that the path of nonviolence can bring about meaningful results. "I applaud the leadership of Secretary Albright for establishing this position and for appointing a senior and capable individual," Mr. Gyari said.