World Tibet Network News Saturday, April 11, 1998

MELBOURNE, April 11 AAP - About a dozen protesters ended a 24-hour hunger strike on the steps of parliament house today over human rights in Tibet.

The move was in support of six Tibetans in New Delhi, India, who claim to be on an indefinite hunger strike until the United Nations recognises human rights recommendations made by the International Commission of Jurists.

Australia Tibet Council president Alex Butler said the New Delhi hunger strike was "an act of desperation" because the Tibetans felt their plight had been ignored by the rest of the world for too long.

The Melbourne Tibetan community and supporters had shown support through the strike, and also via a candle-lit vigil last night, she said.

About 40 people attended the vigil where calls were made for Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer to raise the Tibetan issue with the UN.

Victorian branch secretary of the Australia Tibet Council John Ford said Mr Downer had not responded to the group.