World Tibet Network News Wednesday, May 06, 1998

Mr. Olivier Dupuis

Secretary General

Transnational Radical Party

Rue Wiertz 60

1047 Bruzelles

BELGIUM May 5, 1998

Dear Olivier Dupuis,

Thank you very much for your prompt reply and here are our responses to the points raised by your party.

1. The hunger strike organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress has brought to the attention of the United Nations Organization, Governments and people across the continents the urgency and the need for action and support for the cause of Tibet. The tragic self-immolation of Thupten Ngodup,a dedicated and a brave Tibetan and the unto-death hunger strike by the six Tibetans, who went on hunger strike for 48 days, until they were forcefully removed by the Indian Police to a hospital, are clear indication of the Tibetan people's frustration and desperation in the face of inaction of world bodies and governments on the issue of Tibet.

We fully realize the necessity to capitalize on this current awareness and the international attention we are receiving. I am sure the TYC will keep on with their demands directed towards the United Nations. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan administration will continue to make every effort to obtain international support for the Tibetan cause.

2. We appreciate your suggestions such as that the objective of 1,300 Parliamentarians from all over the world is to ask the Secretary General Kofi Annan to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama and also demand for the appointment of a special rapporteur to investigate the Human Rights situation in Tibet. UN mechanisms and procedures are complex, nevertheless, we request the continued support from our friends.

3. This is to inform you that the Tibetan Government in exile have not remained inactive with regard to Tibet issue at any time. However, the reality is that the degree of awareness and impact of our efforts depends, to great extent, on the response we receive from the world bodies, the media and our supporters. Particularly when dealing with political entities, and government organizations the response depends very much on their political agenda and national interests.

4. You have stated in fourth para of your letter "in these dramatic times, the priority is put elsewhere. The responsibility lies in the hands of the Tibetan Government in exile to re-animate and pick-up the flame.'

Thank you for your suggestions. This is to inform you that right from the beginning it was the Tibetan administration which organized the rehabilitation and the education of the Tibetan refugees and managed to keep the Tibetans in a cohesive community and kept the faith of the Tibetan people for a more free and happier Tibet.

We would like you to know that the hunger strike unto-death which is taking place in Delhi is an initiative undertaken by the Tibetan Youth Congress. We commend their courage, determination and sense of nationalism. However, we do not wish to see any Tibetan lose his or her life in the process.

Since the TYC has explicitly requested His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government not to intervene, we have respected their demand and have in no way intervened. But, we have done all we could within our means and power in getting more support from the countries who have been supportive of the Tibetan cause and simultaneously urged all our friends to write and approach the United Nations to take heed of the Tibetan Youth's three demands.

Finally, as you have stated the word Satyagraha in your suggestion, I would like to make a short comment. The issue of Satyagraha has been seriously discussed at all levels in the Tibetan community.

This is to inform you that the fundamental policy of the Tibetan

administration is to get China to the negotiating table to reach a negotiated settlement for the greater interest of Tibet and Tibetans.

However, we respect the individual initiative taken by our support groups. Therefore, any action taken by you, as long as it is the true interest of the Tibetan cause, will be appreciated.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

(T.C. Tethong)

Kalon & Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama