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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi Statement on Release of Tibetan Nun Phuntsok Nyidron
Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after Phuntsog Nyidron, one of Tibet's most prominent political prisoners and the longest serving female political prisoner, was reportedly released from Lhasa's Drapchi Prison earlier this week. Nyidron was due to be released in March 2005. On February 3, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 157, sponsored by Congressman Tom Udall (D-NM), calling on China to immediately release Phuntsok Nyidron and all Tibetan prisoners of conscience.
"The release of Phuntsok Nyidron is wonderful news and proof positive that international pressure can be effective in freeing prisoners of conscience. But her release does not mean that human rights in Tibet have improved. In the past, the Chinese government has successfully manipulated events in order to escape international criticism. It is no coincidence that Nyidron’s release comes just before the U.N. Commission on Human Rights meeting at which a resolution criticizing China’s human rights record may be sponsored by the United States.
"In the 15 years since the Tiananmen Square Massacre, the Chinese government continues to abuse the human rights of its own people. On February 25, the U.S. State Department published its Annual Country Report Human Rights, which states that Chinese authorities in Tibet 'continued to commit serious human rights abuses, including execution without due process, torture, arbitrary arrest, detention without public trial, and lengthy detention of Tibetans for peacefully expressing their political or religious views.'
"The plight of the people of Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world. We must keep the pressure on the Chinese government to free all prisoners of conscience in China and Tibet."
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
