DALAI LAMA REPRESENTATIVE REQUESTS USG SUPPORT IN

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 005035 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL IN PREF SUBJECT: DALAI LAMA REPRESENTATIVE REQUESTS USG SUPPORT IN FACE OF GROWING PRC PRESSURE ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Dalai Lama Representative Tempa Tsering, delivered a letter to the charge' on July 17 requesting greater USG engagement with the Government of Nepal (GON) on the Tibetan refugee issue in light of increased pressure from China. He noted that the PRC will send Vice Foreign Minister Wu Daewi to Nepal for a three day visit on July 27, purportedly to press the GON to close down the Tibetan Reception Center, limit the migration of Tibetans into Nepal and to stop issuing exit permits to Tibetans wishing to visit India. Tsering said the international community needs to exert more pressure on the GON to ensure the refugees are treated in accordance with the United Nations Refugee Convention and Protocols and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) In a July 17 meeting with the Charge', Dalai Lama Representative Tempa Tsering delivered a letter highlighting the situation of approximately 20,000 Tibetan refugees settled in Nepal (with an additional 2,500-3,000 refugees arriving annually). He noted that, although the GON has a history of sympathy and support for the refugees, it may revoke rights previously granted to the refugees under increased PRC pressure. Tsering maintained that the upcoming visit of PRC Vice Foreign Minister Wu Daewi is part of an increased campaign meant to pressure the GON to end its assistance to Tibetan refugees. He pointed out that the PRC is pressuring the GON to stop issuing refugee identification cards to new arrivals from Tibet. In a GON press release Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sharma Oli stated that his government would not relent and would continue to issue the cards on "humanitarian grounds." Press reports also note that the PRC has taken issue with recent reports from the Himalayan News Service that Tibetan refugees currently in Nepal are being resettled in the US. ¶3. (SBU) Tsering told the Charge that he met with EU representatives in Delhi last week and plans to meet with Norwegian and Japanese government representatives this week to ask them to also engage the GON on the refugee issue. In addition, he informed the GOI during the week of July 10-14 of the Dali Lama's apprehension over increasing Chinese pressure. The GOI reportedly responded that it shared his concern and would 'see how it could be of help'. He attributed the GOI response to improved Indo-Nepal relations following the end of the King's rule. Tsering also claimed that the GOI demonstrated its support by continuing to issue Special Entry Permits for Tibetans -- even after the RGON stopped issuing travel documents to the refugees. He commented that there has been no erosion of Indian support for Tibetan refugees, even in light of the recent opening of the Nathu La Pass border crossing. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: Post supports efforts by the Dalai Lama's office to ensure that the rights of Tibetan refugees in Nepal are respected. We will continue to interact with the Dali Lama's New Delhi representative to monitor this situation and ensure that the USG is kept informed of developments. END COMMENT PYATT