[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E433-E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN OBSERVANCE OF TIBETAN UPRISING DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2003

  Ms. PELOSI. Ms. Speaker, I rise in honor of Tibetan Uprising Day. 
Yesterday, Human Rights Watch reported that two Tibetan businessmen 
have been detained by Chinese authorities, apparently on suspicion of 
leaking information on the torture and trial of other Tibetan 
activists. It was an important reminder of the continued need to speak 
out against human rights abuses by the Chinese government. The 
following is my statement in observance of Tibetan Uprising Day that 
was read yesterday in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco:
  Thank you to Bay Area Friends of Tibet and other Bay Area Tibet 
Support Groups for organizing this special observance of Tibetan 
Uprising Day. I am proud to represent a district where protecting human 
rights is a top priority.
  Today we honor the courage and determination of those who stood 
against the Chinese Government's brutal oppression of the Tibetan 
People during the Lhasa Uprising 44 years ago. We also pay tribute to 
the thousands of Tibetans who have sacrificed and died opposing Chinese 
occupation, as well as all Tibetans who have suffered human rights 
abuses due to their religious, political or cultural beliefs or 
activities.
  I am deeply concerned about the Chinese government's continued 
repression of the Tibetan people. The PRC continues to commit horrible 
human rights abuses, including instances of torture, arbitrary arrest, 
detention without public trial, and lengthy detention of Tibetan 
nationalists for peacefully expressing their political or religious 
views.
  Two weeks ago, 78 of my colleagues in Congress and I wrote to Vice 
President Hu condemning the execution of Mr. Lobsang Dhondup. We also 
strongly urged him to commute the sentences of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche 
and Tserang Dondrup, and to release the others currently being held in 
connection with this case. These individuals were held incommunicado 
and suffered torture, and their trials were conducted under highly 
restrictive conditions and without counsel of their choosing.
  The Chinese government denied all requests by the U.S. Consulate in 
Chengdu to observe these legal proceedings that reportedly did not meet 
United Nations' minimum standards of due process. Such abuses of 
judicial processes and disingenuous actions on

[[Page E434]]

the part of the Chinese Government are not conducive to good U.S.-China 
relations.
  The plight of the Tibetan people is a challenge to the global 
conscience. Because of our unique position in the world, the U.S. has a 
special opportunity and responsibility to promote the values of 
liberty, equality, and human rights that we hold dear. If the U.S. 
government is serious about helping the Tibetan people, it must promote 
negotiations between the government of China and His Holiness the Dalai 
Lama and make self-determination for Tibetans a priority in the U.S.-
China relationship.
  Thank you for your continued activism for the people of Tibet. Your 
actions, words and prayers will move mountains. Please be assured I 
will continue to support the aspirations of the Tibetan people to 
preserve their heritage and regain their freedom.

                          ____________________