On May 23, 2002, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will take up a resolution on Tibet introduced by Senator Paul Wellstone on April 25, 2002.

S. Res. 252 expresses the sense of the Senate regarding human rights violations in Tibet, the case of the Panchen Lama, and the need for dialogue between the Chinese leadership and the Dalai Lama or his representatives.

The resolution has been amended to include reference to the release of Tanak Jigme Sangpo and Ngawang Choephel as indication of modest development.

The resolution also refers to the appointment of Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky as Special Coordinator for Tibet as an indication of the high level of interest in Tibet by the Administration. Reference to Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao has also been taken out since the visit has already taken place.

The Committee is expected to endorse the resolution and to recommend the same to the full Senate.