As friends of Nepal for over 40 years, we have always been proud of your nation's commitment to human rights and, in particular, your generosity and support for Tibetan refugees who have streamed into Nepal for half a century. As we all celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the climbing of Everest, should we not also be celebrating Nepal's historic welcome to suffering Tibetans? Thus it is with great shock and sadness that we read that Nepal has deported 18 Tibetans. The Nepal Police\'s collaboration with Chinese officials has resulted in the arresting, detaining, and now deporting of innocent Tibetans, half of them children and juveniles. As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and adherant to the "Gentleman's Agreement" of 1989 between UNHCR and the Tibetan government in exile, Nepal is bound to protect the right of Tibetans who seek refuge from persecution. How is it that Nepal has now turned its back on its Tibetan friends across the border and buckled under Chinese pressure? We trust that Nepal's free press will not allow this outrageous action to pass without vigorous protest.

Malcolm and Marcia
Odell, South Hampton, USA