PRESS RELEASE

In the letter, the Deputy Speaker brought to the notice of His Excellency Shri. Girija ji, the close relationship shared between Nepal and Tibet during the 7th century and from 17th to 20th century until the pre-1959 Tibet. The first Tibetan currency was obtained by Tibet from Nepal. The official delegation of the Tibetan Government, visited Nepal annually to offer prayers at the Buddhist stupas and the pilgrimage sites. At the time of admission of Nepal government to the United Nations, the treaty of 1856 between the Nepal and Tibet government was taken into consideration. Vide this treaty; the Gorkha government committed that, "Henceforth to afford help and protection to it (Tibet) as far as they (Nepal) can, if any foreign country attacks it." The government of Nepal was also kind enough to be witness to the 1912 treaties between China and Tibet, which led to the withdrawal of Chinese troops from the soil of the Tibetan nation.

And that, since then under the changes in the political situation of Tibet, Tibet is going through a very critical period. From 10th March, 2008, there continues to be demonstrations/protests throughout the three provinces of Tibet, which has drawn widespread international attention and support. During these uprisings, many Tibetans are killed, tortured and continues to be imprisoned. To show solidarity to their effort and the common cause of Tibet, the Tibetan refugees in Nepal, like other Tibetans in Diaspora, hold peaceful protests and rallies. Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is saddened to hear that many Tibetans including three Tibetan community leaders have been detained.

Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, therefore, request His Excellency Shri. Girija ji, to kindly intervene, so that Tibetan refugees are treated democratically and allowed the freedom of expression.