CAPE TOWN: Mr. Tashi Phuntsok,Secretary, DIIR, had nearly one and half hour discussion with Mr. M.S.A. Masango, MP, Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation of South African Parliament on February 13. He was assisted by 3 staff and research officials of the Committee. Mrs. Nangsa Cheodon and Ms Tenzin Kunsang was with Mr. Phuntsok.
Mr. Phuntsok brought the attention of Mr. Masango the dire situation in Tibet. The international programmes of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, the role of Central Tibetan Administration and the Middle Way Approach were other subjects explained in detail.
The Chairperson evinced great interest on the issues. He was requested to bring to the attention of the Committee above members.
Mr. Masango is among the 6 members of ANC in the Committee. There are 13 members in the Committee in total. IFP has 2 members in it. The meetings was facilitated by Department of Foreign Affairs of South Africa.
Earlier in the morning the Tibetan delegation briefed the full caucus of the IFP. Except for Prince Buthelezi all other 10 members were present. The Tibetan presentation was received warmly. The Chairperson, accounting his own experience pf pass laws, similar to the strict travel restrictions in Tibet, assured party’s continued support in South Africa.
In the evening a meeting of Tibetan friends was held in Constantia at the home Niki and John Louis. Mr. Phuntsok spoke on major issues relating to Tibet. He also briefed the meeting on the activities of CTA and indeed of Office of Tibet, South Africa.
In the end Friends of Tibet, Cape Town as a group, was formalised. Niki, John Loius, Adam, Karen and Erika were made the committee members.
Report filed by: Office of Tibet, South Africa
