World Tibet Network News Saturday, May 23, 1998

On a magnificient evening last week, under a flood lit Table Mountain, the Cape Town Tibet Support Group was launched. At a gathering of about 25 people, the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Africa and the Middle East, Tashi Phuntsok La, said the Cape Town initiative was vital because of its proximity to Parliament and Goverment officials. This is particularly pertinent if one considers that at the beginning of this year South Africa established diplomatic links with China and recently set up abi-national commission in Beijing. Furthermore, Deputy President, Thabo Mbeki, visited China last month and during his visit the issue surrounding the Tibetan controversy was never mentioned.

A statement by South African Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo this Wednesday, appeared to reject self-determination for the Tibetan people, especially calls for an independent Tibet free of Chinese rule. Asked in Parliament what South Africa's policy was on Tibet, Foreign Minister Nzo said, "The position of the SA government on Tibet is that it is an integral part of China." On whether S A supported the right of the Tibetan people to determine their own political future, he said, "we are sensitive to protecting the unique culture and religion of Tibet. " The Cape Town Support Group welcomes suggestions, comments, ideas especially with regard to lobbying in Parliament. Sheryl Ozinsky & Sara Matchett 30 Ave Le Sueur Fresnaye 8001 Tel/Fax: +2721 439 8609