OFFICE OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA

Mr. Julian PRIESTLEY

The Secretary General

European Parliament

Strasbourg

Dear Secretary General Priestley,

We thank you for forwarding to us the resolution of the European Parliament on the situation in Inner Mongolia and the sentence passed on Mr. Hada, founder of the Southern Mongolian Democracy Alliance.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is presently on an extended visit to remote and isolated Tibetan refugee settlements at the Indo-Tibetan border. We will bring the resolution of the European Parliament to the notice of His

Holiness on His return.

I assure you of His Holiness's deep appreciation for the concern of the European Parliament in the distressing human rights situation in Inner Mongolia. For Mongols as well as Tibetans inside occupied Tibet, the constant vigilance and scrutiny of the human rights situation in their respective countries by the international community are the only effective protection against the abuse of their basic rights and freedoms. The expression of sincere concern by the European Parliament about their plight is also a source of great encouragement and inspiration for the people in Inner Mongolia and Tibet in their difficult struggle for human rights, freedom and peace.

With our sincere appreciation and gratitude,

Kelsang Gyaltsen

Secretary