PRESS RELEASE
On behalf of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Deputy Speaker Mrs. Dolma
Gyari on 21st June, 2008 appealed to Shri. Girija Prasad Koirala, the
Prime Minister of Nepal to kindly intervene the recent detention of
many Tibetan people including the three Tibetan community leaders since
19th June, 2008.
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.
Tenzin Choedon
Under Secretary