On May 9, 2002, Minnesota State Senator Ellen Anderson introduced a bill (S.F No. 3469) urging Governor Jesse Ventura to convey the concerns of the people of Minnesota regarding human rights abuses committed by the government of the People’s Republic of China.
Governor Ventura is leading a trade mission to China, scheduled from June 7 to 15, 2002.
The resolution was taken up by the Jobs, Housing and Community Development Committee today.
Ngawang Chemi, a Minnesota resident and a Tibetan who was imprisoned in Tibet, testified today before the Committee on the situation in Tibet.
Dr. Tsewang Ngodup, President of theTibetan-American Foundation of Minnesota, asked the Committee to urge Gov. Ventura to raise the issue of dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama or his representatives when he meets with Chinese leaders.
The resolution urges Governor Ventura to convey to government leaders of the People’s Republic of China during his business development mission that the people of Minnesota are committed to fundamental human rights for all people and they are concerned that the people of China are being denied these rights by the government of the People’s Republic of China.