For Immediate Release:                                                       

May 16, 2008             

For More Information, Contact:

Andrea Wuebker/Laena Fallon (202) 224-3324

GREGG AMENDMENT PROVIDES FUNDS TO OPEN U.S. CONSULATE IN TIBET IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Additional report language also requires oversight on activities by the People’s Republic of China to undermine support for Tibet

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, yesterday introduced an amendment to the fiscal years 2008 and 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill that provides up to $5 million for the establishment of a U.S. Consulate in Lhasa, Tibet, and conditions the ability of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to open additional Chinese consulates in the United States until the U.S. mission is established in Lhasa. 

Further, the Secretary of State is required to report to the Appropriations Committee within 90 days on progress toward establishing the U.S. Consulate in Lhasa, as well as the actions of the PRC to undermine support for Tibet in the United States. The amendment was unanimously accepted.

Senator Gregg stated, “Given the recent unrest in Tibet and its tragic past, it is in the interest of all parties—the peoples of Tibet, China, and the United States—to quickly establish a U.S. Consulate in Lhasa. This amendment will help accelerate the opening of the consulate, and in turn, help us better understand the political, social, and economic developments in that region.

“I have spoken with the Secretary of State and encouraged her to make expediting the opening of this consulate a priority.  The restriction on the ability of China to open additional consulates in the United States sends a message to the PRC that the United States is serious about supporting the human, economic, and political rights of the people of Tibet.

“As the world turns its attention to 2008 Olympics, we will see whether a different China emerges from its history of oppression and human rights violations.  The consulate is a good place to start.”