UN has acknowledged grim situation in Tibet: Exile PM

Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile on Saturday said the assurance by UN that it would send special rapporteur to probe the situation in Tibet is an acknowledgement of a very grim situation and a sign of support for the truth and just cause of Tibet.

Addressing a joint press conference by the Tibetan Parliament and the Kashag, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said, "The assurance given by the UN that it will try to send a special rapporteur to Tibet to assess the actual situation there is an acknowledgement of a very grim situation."

Three Tibetans, who were on a hunger strike outside the UN headquarters for the past one month, ended their protest yesterday after assurances from the world body that it will probe the situation in Tibet.

"From news accounts that we have read, the Australian Ambassador in China has requested the Chinese foreign ministry to allow access to Tibet to probe the situation," the Kalon Tripa said.

These two events have given hope to Tibetans that they will get what they deserve, he said.

Sangay said, repeated appeals have been made by the Tibetan Parliament, the Kashag, and many NGOs to the UN to send a special rapporteur or an envoy to Tibet to investigate the ground reality there.

At least 30 Tibetans have self-immolated for the cause of a free Tibet, of which 22 have died and many are in critical condition, he said.