World Tibet Network News Wesnesday, April 15, 1998

United Nations

"Yesterday, the Assistant Secretary-General for External Relations, Ms. Gillian Sorensen met with Mr. Richard Gere who came to convey his grave concern over the heatlh of six Tibetans on hunger strike in New Delhi. The Secretary-General was already aware of the concerns of the six hunger-strikers. While recognizing that meeting their specific demands rests within the sole competence of Member States, the Secretary-General acknowledges that this non-violent action is a reflection of their personal commitment. At the same time, he is deeply concerned for their well-being and appeals to them, on humanitarian grounds, to discontinue the strike so as not to further jeopardize their health. In this connection, the Secretary-General wishes to refer to the statement regarding the matter made by Mrs. Robinson, High Commissioner for Human Rights, on 9 April, and expresses his full support for it."

Forwarded by

Tibet Bureau for UN Affairs,

Geneva, Switzerland