SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED FOR WELL-BEING OF TIBETANS ON HUNGER STRIKE

14 April 1998

Press Release
SG/SM/6521

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED FOR WELL-BEING OF TIBETANS ON HUNGER STRIKE

19980414 Yesterday, the Assistant Secretary-General for External Relations, Gillian Sorensen, met with actor Richard Gere, who came to convey his grave concern over the health of six Tibetans on hunger strike in New Delhi. The Secretary-General was already aware of the concerns of the six hunger strikers. While recognizing that meeting their specific demands rests within the sole competence of Member States, the Secretary-General acknowledges that this non-violent action is a reflection of their personal commitment. At the same time, he is deeply concerned for their well-being and appeals to them, on humanitarian grounds, to discontinue the strike so as not to further jeopardize their health. In this connection, the Secretary-General wishes to refer to the statement regarding the matter made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, on 9 April, and expresses his full support for it.

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