Dharamshala, June 23 - The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has sought the intervention of the Nepalese prime minister for fair treatment of Tibetans in Nepal and to help release all the Tibetans arrested during the recent peaceful demonstrations in Nepal.

In an appeal letter forwarded to the prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala on 21 June, Dolma Gyari, the deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament noted the cordial relationship shared between Nepal and Tibet during the 7th century and from 17th to 20th century until the pre-1959 Tibet.

The deputy speaker said many Tibetans are killed, tortured and continues to be imprisoned since a series of peaceful demonstrations against the repressive Chinese policies, which swept across Tibet in March this year.

"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," she added.

She said: "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."

The full text of the letter follows:

21 June 2008

His Excellency Shri Girija Prasad Koirala,
The Prime Minister,
Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal and Tibet shared very close relationship 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 your great country to the United Nations, the treaty of 1856 between our two countries 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." Your government 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.

Since then, the political situation of Tibet has changed. We are going through a very critical period of our history. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Govt-in-Exile is engaged in sincere efforts to find peaceful solution to the Tibetan issue within the framework of the constitution of the People's Republic of China. We are grateful to the people and the Govt. of Nepal for the hospitability extended towards the Tibetan refugees in the past.

Since the 10th of 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 our common cause, the Tibetan refugees in Nepal, like other Tibetans in Diaspora, hold peaceful protests and rallies. We are saddened to hear that many Tibetans including three Tibetan community leaders have been detained.

We, therefore, request your Excellency to kindly intervene, so that the refugees are treated democratically. Last but not the least, the Tibetan refugees, may kindly be allowed the freedom of expression.

With sincere prayers for a sympathetic consideration.

On behalf of the Tibetan Parliament

Yours Sincerely,

Dolma Gyari
Deputy Speaker