TimelineofTibetanProtests Tibet Voices:ThePresidential ...Tibet PRESS WATCH SPRING2008 Apublication...

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Tibet PRESS WATCH SPRING 2008 A publication of the International Campaign for Tibet INSIDE: Timeline of Tibetan Protests Tibet in the News Voices: The Presidential Candidates Speak Out ICT Candlelight Vigil for Tibet in San Francisco The Crisis in Tibet and the International Response to China’s Brutality ICT Candlelight Vigil for Tibet in San Francisco The Crisis in Tibet and the International Response to China’s Brutality

Transcript of TimelineofTibetanProtests Tibet Voices:ThePresidential ...Tibet PRESS WATCH SPRING2008 Apublication...

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TibetPRESS WATCH SPRING 2008

A publication of theInternational Campaign for Tibet

INSIDE:• Timeline of Tibetan Protests

• Tibet in the News• Voices: The Presidential

Candidates Speak Out

ICT CandlelightVigil for Tibet inSan Francisco

The Crisis in Tibet andthe International Responseto China’s Brutality

ICT CandlelightVigil for Tibet inSan Francisco

The Crisis in Tibet andthe International Responseto China’s Brutality

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MANDALA SOCIETYYOUR LIVING LEGACY TO TIBET

The Mandala Society is an intimate group of Tibet

supporters, committed to helping future generations of

Tibetans. By including the International Campaign for

Tibet in their will or trust, Mandala Society members

ensure that ICT will continue to have the resources to

promote a peaceful resolution of the occupation of Tibet,

and will be able to help rebuild Tibet when Tibetans

achieve genuine autonomy.

Formore information aboutMandala Societymember-

ship, please contact Chris Chaleunrath at 202-785-1515,

ext. 225, [email protected], or use the envelope

attached to this newsletter to request a call.

The Mandala Society of the International Campaign for Tibet

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Dear Friend,

This issue of Tibet Press Watch is devoted to the sweep-ing protests in Tibet and the international response tothe resulting Chinese crackdown. It’s filled with facts andinformation, so I hope you won’t mind if I take thismoment to make a personal observation.

Before I devotedmy career to the cause of justice in Tibet, I was a civil rights lawyer intheAmerican south.Aswe’ve been struggling in these pastmonths to help the people ofTibet, I’ve been struck by the situation’s similarities to the U.S. civil rights movement.

The Chinese response to international outrage has been one of resentment. Theydon’t want to be told how to handle “their” Tibetans and seem to believe that theirinstitutionalized racism and repression are an acceptable way to treat the people ofTibet — just as many leaders of the American south insisted that their treatment ofblacks was fair and proper.

There comes a watershed moment in any citizen’s movement — a point at which apeople will no longer accept the excuse of “That’s the way we’ve always done it.”At thatpoint, even themost dominant institutions can be overcome. Jim Crow laws are over-thrown; apartheid is ended in South Africa; the BerlinWall comes down.

I believe we’re closer to that moment now in Tibet.

This March, the Tibetan people — steeped in the proud traditions of compassionand acceptance— rose up to confront their oppressors after decades of abuse.Violentacts were committed on both sides — Chinese immigrants were killed and Chineseshops attacked by Tibetans, and Tibetan protestors were beaten and killed by Chinesepolice.We condemn the violence on both sides. Perpetrators must be fairly tried. Butthe incidences of violence must not blur the reality that injustice must be addressed.This is our time to push for peaceful change and a true respect for rights in Tibet —and by so doing, help China grow stronger by confronting its prejudices.

Systemized repressionmay appear to be immune to protest or change—but we knowchange is possible. More than that, change is essential, and those who do not takeaction are unwittingly supporting a brutal status quo.

I thank you for standing with us. Please let us know if you have any questions.

In solidarity,

John Ackerly

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TIBET PRESSWATCHThe International Campaign for Tibetworks to promote human rightsand democratic freedoms for

the people of Tibet.

Founded in 1988, ICT is a non-profitmembership organization with officesin Washington, D.C., Amsterdam,

Berlin and Brussels.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Richard Gere, ChairmanLodi Gyari, Executive ChairJohn Ackerly, President

Marybeth Markey,V.P. Intl. AdvocacyBhuchung Tsering,V.P. Special Programs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard GereLodi Gyari

Venerable Geshe Tsultim GyeltsenMark HandelmanMelissa MathisonJoel McClearyKeith Pitts

Mark RovnerSteve SchroederGare SmithGrace SpringJulia Taft

CONTACT INFORMATION

ICT Headquarters:1825 Jefferson Pl, NW,Washington, DC 20036

[email protected]

Newsletter Design:Wm.Whitehead Design

Editorial Support:Pru Bovee and

Mal Warwick Associates

Cover Photo:Steve Rhodes

flickr.com/photos/ari

…as we’ve been struggling in these past monthsto help the people of Tibet, I’ve been struck by somesimilarities between the U.S. civil rights movementand the plight of Tibetans today.

From the President

John Ackerly, President

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News Round-up:The Eyes of theWorldFOR DECADES, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENThas implemented heavy-handed policies that under-mine Tibetan identity. Large numbers of Chineseimmigrants have flooded into Tibet. And China’svirulent official denunciations of the Dalai Lamahelped to push Tibetans to the breaking point. InMarch, peaceful protests spontaneously eruptedacross the Tibetan plateau. The brutal response byChinese authorities led to violence, imprisonment,death, and the “disappearance” of many Tibetans.

The eyes of the world were already on China in anticipation ofthe 2008 Summer Olympic Games to be held in Beijing thisAugust— and overwhelmingly, the global response to China’srepressions of peaceful protests in Tibet was one of horror andoutrage. In the wake of violent repressions of monks in Burmarecently, the world press rightly saw the repression of protest inChina as an issue of real concern.

The following extracts are a sampling of the widespread atten-tion these protests received in nations around the world. AsICT’s Board of Director, Richard Gere has pointed out, it hasbeen challenging in the past to find a forum for discussion ofthe situation in Tibet — but now the world is watching. Nowa tremendous energy has been generated.Nowwemust pursueevery opportunity to keep international attention and interestat a peak in the months before the Games.

Op-ed

CHINA’S LOYAL YOUTHMatthew Forney in Beijing — April 13, 2008

Many sympathetic Westerners view Chinese societyalong the lines of what they saw in the waning days ofthe Soviet Union: a repressive government backed byold hard-liners losing its grip to a new generation ofwell-educated, liberal-leaning sophisticates. Aspleasant as this outlook may be, it’s naïve. Educatedyoung Chinese, far from being embarrassed or upset bytheir government’s human-rights record, rank amongthe most patriotic, establishment-supporting peopleyou’ll meet.

As is clear to anyone who lives here, most young ethnicChinese strongly support their government’s suppres-sion of the recent Tibetan uprising. One Chinese friendwho has a degree from a European university describedthe conflict to me as “a clash between the commercialworld and an old aboriginal society.” She even praisedher government for treating Tibetans better than NewWorld settlers treated Native Americans.

Barring major changes in China’s education system oreconomy, Westerners are not going to find allies amongthe vast majority of Chinese on key issues like Tibet,Darfur and the environment for some time. If thedebate over Tibet turns this summer’s contests in Bei-jing into the Human Rights Games, as seems inevitable,Western ticket-holders expecting to find Chineseangry at their government will instead find Chineseangry at them.

Asian Wall Street Journal

TRAGEDY IN TIBETRobert Barnett — March 17, 2008

Today, Tibetans exist in a shadow world, where criti-cism of Chinese policies can rarely be spoken for fearof political and professional suicide, or worse. No one

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POLITICAL VOICES: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SENATOR BARAK OBAMA“I am deeply disturbed by reports of a crackdown and arrests in the wake of peaceful protests by Tibetan monks.I condemn the use of violence and call on the Chinese government to respect the human rights of the people of Tibet,and to account for the whereabouts of detained Buddhist monks. If Tibetans are to live in harmony with the rest ofChina’s people, their religion and culture must be respected and protected.”—March 14, 2008

who has lived in Tibet and speaks Tibetan will havebeen unaware that Tibetans were hiding deep andunexpressed discontent and fear. Random people wouldapproach me in Lhasa alleyways, sometimes weeping,whispering and begging me to tell the world that theChinese were denying them freedom, or some suchphrase. The only surprise is that after 20 years theydared to take to the streets in such numbers.

All sides have made mistakes. The West has depictedTibetans as likeable victims, rather than as agentswith coherent political agendas that needed urgentanswers. The Dalai Lama has been accused by theChinese of sending mixed signals about his promise togive up independence. The Chinese side has failed tolisten to the warnings of their own advisers, let alonethose opinions offered by Tibetans and outsiders.

INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE/OP-ED

TURNING POINTFOR TIBETLodi Gyaltsen Gyari — April 3, 2008

As the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lamain talks with the Chinese leadership since 2002, I havebeen deeply fearful that such events would come topass. But none of us imagined the scale of the protests,given China's tight control in Tibet.

The protests that we have seen among my Tibetancompatriots are not only a result of several years ofhard-line policies by Beijing. They have deeper roots,arising from 50 years of Chinese misrule. I salute the

Monks demonstrating on March 10, 2008 in Lhasa. Monks throughout Tibet now face an increased ‘patriotic education’ campaign by authoritiestargeting the Dalai Lama's influence and attempting to ‘restore order’ in Tibet.

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POLITICAL VOICES: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON“I am deeply concerned about the violent clashes that erupted in Lhasa. Based on the limited information available,there is an urgent need for all parties, and in particular the Chinese security forces, to exercise restraint, to demonstraterespect for human rights and to protect civilians from danger. I call on the Chinese government to prevent furtherescalation and to urgently pursue resolution through peaceful means.”—March 15, 2008

courage of my compatriots, who, through risking theirlives and their freedom, have exposed the bankruptcyof China's Tibet policy and the strength of Tibetanidentity.

We are profoundly moved that several Chinese intel-lectuals have bravely raised their voices in China inresponse to the way Beijing is handling developmentin Tibet. The world is watching.

Financial Times

DALAI LAMA’SINTERNATIONALPROFILE ENRAGESBEIJINGRichard McGregor in Beijing — March 16 2008

Beijing has depicted the violent protests in Tibet overthe past week as the product of a dark conspiracy, ledby the Dalai Lama, and abetted by foreign forces whichwant to “split” China and sabotage the 2008 Olympics.

“Now the blaze and blood in Lhasa has unclad thenature of the Dalai Lama, it’s time for the interna-tional community to recheck their stance towards thegroup’s camouflage of non-violence, if they do notwant to be willingly misled,” the Xinhua report said.

Such hectoring missives typify the Chinese response,which has been to place the protests firmly in thecontext of the wider sovereignty dispute, the most sen-sitive issue for the ruling communist party.

Associated Press

TIBETAN PROTESTSESCALATE INTOVIOLENCETini Tran — March 14 2008

BEIJING (AP)— Protests led by Buddhist monks againstChinese rule in Tibet turned violent Friday, bathingLhasa in smoke from tear gas, bonfires and burnedshops, and posing a challenge to China on whether itsimage can withstand a harsh crackdown ahead of theBeijing Olympics.

Eyewitness accounts and photos posted on the Internetportrayed a chaotic scene in Lhasa, the provincialcapital, with crowds hurling rocks at security forces,hotels and restaurants. The U.S. Embassy said Ameri-cans had reported gunfire. U.S. government-fundedRadio Free Asia reported two people killed.

TIBETAN OFFICIALSISSUE STERNWARNINGINADVANCE OFOLYMPIC RELAYJill Drew — April 25, 2008

BEIJING, April 24 — Tibetan government authoritieswarned Thursday of severe consequences for anyone whospreads rumors that "excite popular feelings," as theregion braces for the arrival of the Olympic torchsometime in the next couple of weeks.

Chinese officials are sticking to a controversial planfor torchbearers to bring the Olympic flame over thetop of Mount Everest and into downtown Lhasa, theTibetan capital and the scene last month of deadlyrioting against Chinese rule.

We are profoundly moved that severalChinese intellectuals have bravely raisedtheir voices in China in response to theway Beijing is handling developmentin Tibet. The world is watching.

—Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari

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Representative Tom Lantos1928-2008

Congressman Tom Lantos, the first Congressman toinvite theDalai Lama to speak inWashington,DC and oneof the main architects of the United States government’spolicy on Tibet, passed away on themorning of February11, 2008. He was 80 years old.

Congressman Lantos was elected to Congress in 1980 andwas serving his 14th consecutive term when he passedaway. During his political career, which he pursued aftera long and successful career in academia, he was knownas an impassioned supporter of a broad range of socialissues,most of which he was drawn to through his strongcommitment to human rights. His championing of hu-man rights throughout the world was a prominent featureof his tenure on theHouse Committee on ForeignAffairs,which he served as the senior Democratic member since2001, and as its Chairman since 2007. He also foundedand co-chaired the Congressional Human Rights Cau-cus in 1983.

Congressman Lantos was a steadfast friend of the Tibetanpeople, and particularly of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.He leaves a lasting legacy for Tibet with his leadership ininstitutionalizing the issue of Tibet.

ICT Board Member Julia Taft1943-2008

Board Member Julia Vadala Taft passed away onMarch 15, 2008. She was the State Department’s SpecialCoordinator on Tibetan Issues, and had the knowledgeand skills not just to understand the problems facingTibet but also the best ways to work effectively with theU.S. government.

Ms. Taft was widely recognized as a top crisis managerfor her work with refugee protection and disaster reliefefforts around the world. Beginning in the 1970s, shecoordinated major refugee resettlements in the UnitedStates and around the world, and worked on dislocationsin Bosnia, Kosovo, Armenia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Liberia,and Sudan.

In 1997, President Bill Clinton appointed her AssistantSecretary of State for Population,Refugees andMigration,

a post she held for four years. In 1999, she was named tothe additional post of Special Coordinator for TibetanIssues to promote dialogue between the Dalai Lama andthe Chinese government.We will miss her sound advice,warm concern, and impassioned determination.

We notewith sorrow the passingof two good friends of Tibet.

Congressman Tom Lantos, who was fundamental to securingthe Congressional Gold Medal for the Dalai Lama, joins withhis wife in greeting His Holiness in the Capitol before theaward ceremony.

Julia Taft was tireless in her decades-long mission to helprefugees around the world, and brought a very personalcommitment to her work with ICT.

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Chronology of EventsFor reasons of space, this chronology issignificantly shortened. It’s important tonote that each protest required every par-ticipant to willingly accept the risk of abeating, the overwhelming brutality of aChinese prison, or death as the potentialprice for expressing their opinions anddemanding their rights.

MONDAY,MARCH 10: Four apparently unre-lated protests occur— two in Lhasa (conductedby the monks from the Drepung and Sera Mon-asteries), and two in Qinghai Province, whichborders Tibet (by the monks of the Lutsang andDitsa Monasteries). Protestors shout pro-Tibetanindependence slogans, distribute leaflets, andraise the banned Tibetan national flag. Policestop the Qinghai protests; police in Lhasa ar-rest participating monks and reportedly beatthem. Police and paramilitary police blockroads and encircled other monasteries aroundLhasa to prevent the protests from growing.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11: A peaceful proteststaged by 600 monks from Sera monasterycalls for the release of monks from Sera andDrepung. Thousands of armed police and mili-tary personnel use batons and tear gas on pro-testers. Water supplies to Lhasa monasteriesare cut, driving the basic life condition of themonastery into a critical phase.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12: Protests spreadto Chutsang Nunnery (on the west side ofLhasa) and Gaden Monastery (about 30 mileseast of Lhasa). Police turn back the nuns as theymarch, and surround and seal off the monastery.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13: All monasteries inLhasa under lock-down. Protests erupt at Chut-sang Nunnery, Drepung and Sera Monastery,and among students at Tibet University. Policereportedly arrest around 500 students fromTibetUniversity. Reports of deaths inspire global re-quests for Chinese restraint.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14: Tibetan citizens areangered when monks from Lhasa’s Ramoche

The Situation in TibetOnMarch 10th of this year, a group of monks demonstrated in supportof His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibet. This lone peaceful protest inLhasa rapidly spread across the nation in a pan-Tibetan assertion ofrights— and incurred a brutal crackdown by Chinese authorities.Thefrustration that boiled over in March dwarfs any recent protests inTibet, and featured not only monks and nuns in urban centers but alsonomads in the east and northeast, students in Beijing, and people ofall ages— including many young men and women, who came of agelong after the Dalai Lama had been forced to flee in 1959.

As tensions grew and violence spread, the result was the deaths of both Tibetans andChinese. It may be a long while before credible casualty figures emerge, and currentestimates vary wildly. The Chinese government talks of around 20 dead, all of whichare said to be Chinese. The Tibetan government-in-exile has claimed the Tibetandeath toll to be more than 100. Chinese propaganda has inspired an ultra-national-istic fervor among ethnic Chinese, and portrayed the Tibetans as the source of theviolence.

A serious review of China’s Tibet policy is now due, coupled with a forward-lookingapproach. It is past time to abandon the reigning principle that only the use of forcewill allow Beijing to establish some form of normalcy in the Tibetan areas of China.Wise counsel is required to prevail in order that this Tibetan uprising, as tragic as ithas been, will result in a positive outcome for both the Tibetans and the Chinese.

Peaceful Protests,Violent ResponsesPolitical Upheaval in Tibet at the Hands of the Chinese Government

MARCH 10, 2008: A Tibetan protester after he was beaten by Kathmandu police duringdemonstrations, and (right) Kathmandu police drag away a Tibetan protester.

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temple are beaten by police. Thousands ofpeople protest, burning and destroying sym-bols of Chinese authority. Armed soldiers andarmored carriers are deployed throughoutLhasa. Reports say police and armed soldiersopen fire and use tear gas. All main roads aresealed and a curfew is imposed. Foreign newsreporters are asked to leave.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15: Regular forcesdeploy in Lhasa, house-to-house raids begin.According to reliable sources, 600 people arearrested. State-run website posts announce-ment warning the “rioters” to give themselvesup. Protests spread to Labrang and Hezuo aswell as villages neighboring Lhasa; police andmilitary respond with violence.

SUNDAY,MARCH 16: Violence has not damp-ened the protests or their spread. Chineseauthorities respond with lethal force to protestsat Amdo Ngaba Kirti Monastery in NgabaCounty (at least seven are killed). Protestsspread to Rong Gonchen Monastery in Reb-kong County, at the NorthWestern NationalityUniversity in Lanzhou, and in Machu County.Students at Marthang Nationality Middle Schoolerupt into a spontaneous demonstration andcall for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

MONDAY,MARCH 17: Protests in Tibet spreadto students of the Tibetan Medical College andTeacher Training Higher Institute in Tsoe Town-ship, Kanlho, to Meldrogungkar and PhenpoLhudnup Counties, to monasteries in Mangra,Chigdril, Toelung Dechen, Dzoge, and RongrenCounties, and to PangsaMonastery in Lhasa mu-nicipality. In almost all instances, citizens joinwith monks and nuns in protest.

Around 200 Tibetan students hold a six-hour silent vigil in Beijing to honor the courageof Tibetan protestors in Tibet. Beijing Universityrequires minority students to fill out pledgesnot to participate in any protests.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18: Protests continue tospread across Tibet, with demonstrations atChoephel Shing Monastery in Chone County,Sertha County, Kardze, at Bora Monastery inSangchu County, at Kakhamey Monastery inKanlho, Gansu Province, in Lithang County, at

Achok Tsenyi Monastery in Marthang County,at Tsang Monastery in Yulgan County, and inChabcha,Tsolho Prefecture in Qinghai Province.

WEDNESDAY,MARCH 19:Mass arrests con-tinue in Lhasa. Nomads and farmers stage aprotest in Luchu County.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20: Pro-Tibetan pro-testers in Kiku (in China’s Serthar County) arekilled by Chinese security forces as the Chineseattempted to remove a raised Tibetan “snowlion” flag from the government offices. Monksfrom Serthar Sera Monastery (also in SertharCounty) protest the killings.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21: Armed police surroundTarthang Monastery in Jigdril County and closeoff all access to the town.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22: Despite the deaths,arrests, and violence by the Chinese govern-ment, Tibetans continue to find the courage toprotest. Demonstrations occur in ChentsaCounty, in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,and at the Palyul Darthang Monastery in AmdoGolog, in Qinghai Province.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23: Protests occur inChentsa County (Qinghai Province, China) andat Serlho Monastery in the TibetanAutonomousPrefecture.

MONDAY, MARCH 24: Protests by ChokriMonastery and Ngyoe-go Nunnery in DrangoCounty. In Shigatse, police were ready for themonks of Tashilunpo Monastery — the reli-gious seat of the Panchen Lama— and turnedback their peaceful demonstration.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25: Monks from amonastery in Drango County protest the mur-der of an 18-year-old monk in the previousday’s demonstration.Monks and citizens marchto the county’s market square, where securityforces open fire. Death totals are unconfirmed.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26: Arrests are madein Drango County. Chinese government con-ducts a carefully-orchestrated tour of Lhasa forforeign journalists during which brave Tibetansaccepted the fate of arrest for speaking truth-fully to the reporters.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28: Governmental crack-downs have finally capped outward signs ofunrest. Over 100 monks are arrested from NgabaKirti Monastery in Ngaba County.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29: First sentences for“rioters” are handed down. One monk is sen-tenced to life in prison, two receive 20 years.At least one prisoner is seated at the trial,which may mean he is unable to stand aftertorture.

TAKINGA CLOSER LOOK:Drango County, Tibet Autonomous Prefecture

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26: In an apparent measure to bring Tibetans in the areaunder control, the authorities called for a Getse Townshipmeeting during whichthe residents were ordered to denounce and criticize the Dalai Lama and the“separatist forces.”Ama Tsanglo, an elderly woman, steadfastly refused to abideby the order and called for the early “return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.” Inresponse, the Township Party Secretary beat her brutally as she cried out, “I willnever denounce the Dalai Lama. Even if you kill me today I won’t have anyregrets.”Unable to watch hismother beingmercilessly beaten, her son sprang fromthe crowd and attacked the Party Secretary.At last report, both the Secretary andAma Tsanglo had been hospitalized. The whereabouts of the son are unknown.

POLITICAL VOICES: UN SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON“I have been closely following the recent development of the situation in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.I am increasingly concerned about the tensions and reports of violence and loss of life in Tibet and elsewhere.At this time I urge restraint on the part of the authorities, and call on all concerned to avoid further confrontationand violence, and I stress the importance of a peaceful resolution.”—March 17, 2008

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TheWorld Responds to China’s BIN CHINA

Leading Chinese intellectuals and writers bravely defied thefervent ultra-nationalism of the Chinese Communist Party byreleasing a petition in the wake of the Tibetan emergency.Entitled “Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the TibetanSituation,” it urges the government to stop its violent repres-sions in Tibet and end its anti-Tibet propaganda among theChinese people.

“The one-sided propaganda of the official Chinese media ishaving the effect of stirring up inter-ethnic animosity andaggravating an already tense situation. This is extremely detri-mental to the long-term goal of safeguarding national unity.”

The authors noted that while past protests in Tibet have beenlimited to Lhasa, the current emergency has spread across Tibet.

“This deterioration indicates that there are serious mistakes inthe work that has been done with regard to Tibet. [China’s lead-ers] must reflect upon this matter, examine their failures, andfundamentally change the failed national policies.”

The letter urges dialogue between Chinese leaders and the DalaiLama so as to “eliminate animosity and bring about nationalreconciliation.” It pleads for calm and reflection in China.

IN FRANCE

Protesters at the Eiffel Tower lined the Olympic Torch routewith waving Tibetan flags and calls for justice.Members of theFrench Assembly stood in their sashes of office behind a signreading“Respect Human Rights in China.”The positive publicresponse to the protests astonished event planners and someparts of the planned program were cancelled in response.

On the relay route of the Olympic Torch through Paris, members of the French Assembly gathered behind a banner reading “Respect Human Rightsin China” and displayed Tibetan flags (which are forbidden in Tibet).

PARISPHOTOS©VINCENTMETTEN

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BrutalityIN DHARAMSALA

The U.S. Speaker of the House (and long-time ally to Tibet) leda ten-member delegation of Members of Congress to Dharam-sala, where theymet with refugees and discussed the situation inTibet withHisHoliness theDalai Lama.Tears were shed, friend-ships were strengthened, hearts andminds were changed—andwe hope for more support in the U.S. Congress as a result. Thefirst step, an important House Resolution, is discussed below.

IN WASHINGTON, DC

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with the members of a bipartisancongressional delegation thatmet withHisHoliness inDharam-sala, introduced House Resolution 1077 onApril 3, which callson China to cease the crackdown, release protestors, provide

(continued on next page)

Speaker for Justice:Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“I bring you greetings from your sisters and brothers in …the free South Africa, the democratic South Africa. I want toremind you that it was people like you who demonstrated on ourbehalf, it was people like you who boycotted South African goodson our behalf. It was people like you who held demonstrations andvigils. It was people like you who were ready even to be imprisonedon our behalf. And today apartheid — which at the time lookedinvincible — is destroyed. On behalf of all of our people, I want tosay a very big thank you to the people who helped us to becomefree. I thank you for continuing that tremendous tradition tostand for freedom.”

Speaker for Justice:Richard Gere

“The torch is going through China and around the world,co-opting the idea of harmony, to push a political position whichincludes the abuse of not only China itself but also Tibetans.This is a fraud. There is no genuine harmony without hope, withouttruth, without the ability to speak openly, without the freedomsof religion, expression, and culture.”

Pro-Tibetan supporters filled the plaza before the Eiffel Tower. The cityof Paris later made the Dalai Lama an honorary citizen.

Thousands gathered in San Francisco, the only North American stopfor the Olympic Torch.

PHOTO©STEVERHODES

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POLITICAL VOICES: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SENATOR JOHN McCAIN“The tragedy in Tibet should draw the attention of the world. I deplore the violent crackdown by Chinese authoritiesand the continuing oppression of those merely wishing to practice their faith and preserve their culture and heritage.I urge the Chinese authorities to ensure peaceful protest is not met with violence, to release monks and othersdetained for peacefully expressing their views and to allow full outside access to Tibet.” —March 18, 2008

unfettered access to journalists and independentinternational monitors to Tibet, and engage in aresults-based dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Theresolution also cites the Tibetan Policy Act whichcalls for an official U.S. government presence inLhasa.

IN SAN FRANCISCO

The Chinese government planned a route for theOlympic Torch that touched North America onlyonce — in San Francisco, on April 9th. The Inter-national Campaign for Tibet, in collaboration withnearly a dozen other groups, held a candlelight vigiland rally the evening before, attended by thousands— including journalists from most major newsoutlets. Speakers included actor/activist RichardGere (chair of ICT’s Board of Directors) and Arch-bishop Desmond Tutu.

At the rally, twoAmerican Olympians— their goldmedals shining in the chilly evening light— enteredthe crowd to light candles for the participants. Asthe flames slowly spread from person to personthroughout the crowd, a true spirit of Olympicbrotherhood and solidarity went along.

Majora Carter, a torch bearer in the relay throughSan Francisco, spoke at the rally and did her bestto express her support for Tibet without warninganyone of her bold plan; the following day as sheprepared for her turn carrying the torch, she tuckeda Tibetan flag inside her sleeve.As she was runningthe route, surrounded by Chinese handlers, shepulled the flag out and waved it for about five sec-onds alongside the Olympic torch until the Chinesenoticed and forced her to surrender the torch.

Overwhelmed by the intense public protests, policeandOlympic officials canceledmany of the plannedtorch ceremonies and changed the torch’s routewithout notice. As demonstrators waited along theannounced route in vain, the runners carried thetorch down a different street some two miles away.After four miles, the torch was carried onto a busto the airport for the next leg of its journey to SouthAmerica.

Protesters from around the globe traveled to San Francisco to participate in pre-Olympic torch relay events. On April 8th, they marched from City Hall to theChinese Consulate and back to United Nations Plaza for ICT’s evening rally andcandlelight vigil.

PHOTOS©STEVERHODES

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and ICT Board Chair Richard Gere speaking to Tibetsupporters in San Franciso during ICT’s April 8th candlelight vigil.

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Messages of Peacefrom His Holiness the Dalai Lama

March 14, 2008

I am deeply concerned over thesituation that has been developing inTibet following peaceful protests inmany parts of Tibet, including Lhasa,in recent days. These protests area manifestation of the deep-rootedresentment of the Tibetan peopleunder the present governance.

As I have always said, unity andstability under brute force is at best atemporary solution. It is unrealistic toexpect unity and stability under sucha rule and would therefore not be con-ducive to finding a peaceful andlasting solution.

I therefore appeal to the Chineseleadership to stop using force andaddress the long-simmering resentmentof the Tibetan people through dialoguewith the Tibetan people. I also urge myfellow Tibetans not to resort to violence.

—THE DALAI LAMA

March 28th, 2008An Appeal to the ChinesePeople from His Holiness the14th Dalai Lama

… I am deeply saddened by theloss of life in the recent tragic events inTibet. I am aware that some Chinesehave also died. I feel for the victims andtheir families and pray for them.

Chinese brothers and sisters, I as-sure you I have no desire to seek Tibet’sseparation. Nor do I have any wish todrive a wedge between the Tibetan andChinese peoples. My primary concernis to ensure the survival of the Tibetanpeople’s distinctive culture, languageand identity. As a simple monk whostrives to live his daily life according toBuddhist precepts, I assure you of thesincerity of my motivation.

Since ancient times, Tibetan andChinese peoples have lived as neighbors

… Since Buddhism flourished in Chinafirst before it arrived in Tibet from India,we Tibetans have historically accordedthe Chinese people the respect andaffection due to elder Dharma brothersand sisters.

Instead of cultivating enmitytowards the Chinese leaders responsiblefor the ruthless suppression of theTibetan people, I prayed for them tobecome friends, which I expressed inthe following lines in a prayer I com-posed in 1960, a year after I arrived inIndia: “May they attain the wisdom eyediscerning right and wrong, and maythey abide in the glory of friendshipand love.”Many Tibetans, schoolchildren among them, recite these linesin their daily prayers.

This year the Chinese people areproudly and eagerly awaiting the openingof the Olympic Games. I have, from thestart, supported Beijing’s being awardedthe opportunity to host the Games. Myposition remains unchanged. China hasthe world’s largest population, a longhistory and an extremely rich civilization.Today, due to her impressive economicprogress, she is emerging as a greatpower. This is certainly to be welcomed.But China also needs to earn the respectand esteem of the global communitythrough the establishment of an openand harmonious society based on theprinciples of transparency, freedom,and the rule of law.

Chinese brothers and sisters —wherever you may be— with deepconcern I appeal to you to help dispelthe misunderstandings between ourtwo communities. Moreover, I appeal toyou to help us find a peaceful, lastingsolution to the problem of Tibetthrough dialogue in the spirit of under-standing and accommodation.

With my prayers,DALAI LAMA

April 2nd, 2008

I would like to express my appreci-ation and gratitude to the world leaders,Parliamentarians, NGOs and publicwho have expressed their concern overthe recent deeply saddening and tragicevents in Tibet.We are also grateful fortheir efforts in persuading the Chineseauthorities to exercise restraint in dealingwith the peaceful protesters, while atthe same time calling for meaningfuldialogue to resolve the issue.

I … appeal for your continuedsupport in calling for an immediate endto the current crackdown, the release of

all those who have been arrested anddetained, and the provision of propermedical treatment.We are particularlyconcerned about the provision ofadequate medical facilities, as there arereports of many injured Tibetans beingafraid to go to Chinese-run hospitalsand clinics.

I would also request you to encour-age the sending of an independentinternational body, to investigate theunrest and its underlying causes, as wellas allow the media and internationalmedical teams to visit the affected areas.Their presence will not only instilla sense of reassurance in the Tibetanpeople, but will also exercise a restraininginfluence on the Chinese authorities.

—THE DALAI LAMA

Chinese brothers andsisters…I appeal to you tohelp dispel the misunder-standings between ourtwo communities.

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Ways to SupportTibet and ICTBecome a Friend of Tibet!Join the Friends of Tibet— an exclusiveinner circle of supporters who pledge tomake a contribution of $10 ormore eachmonth, providing ICT with a steady andreliable source of income in support ofhuman rights in Tibet.

To become aFriend of Tibet by automaticcredit card deduction or through a pre-approved electronic transfer from yourbank account, please visit our web site atwww.savetibet.org/FriendsofTibet

Give the Giftof ICT MembershipGive a friend or loved one the chance tomake a difference— Please include withyour donation the name and addressof the person on whose behalf you aremaking this gift.We will then send a cardnotifying the recipient of your donation.Please also include your name and addresssowe can acknowledge your contribution.

Gift recipients are entitled to ICT’s news-letter, the Tibet Press Watch, and othermember benefits.

Plan on Long-Term Support!Your commitment to the people and cul-ture of Tibet can outlive you when youmake a planned gift to ICT from your es-tate. Those who put ICT in their will,make a gift of stocks, retirement funds,or real estate— or participate in our giftannuity — are inducted into our Man-dala Society to honor that commitment.

For more information on any of thesesupport options, please call 202-785-1515or [email protected].

VOICES OF FAITH:ARCHBISHOP DESMONDTUTU ON BEHALF OF THE ELDERS“The people of Tibet … have long sought autonomy, and chosen negotiation and mediation. They now turn to protest.The Chinese government should…find a non-violent solution. That solution is offered by our friend and brother His Holinessthe Dalai Lama, who has never sought separatism, and has always chosen a peaceful path.We strongly urge the Chinesegovernment to seize the opportunity for meaningful dialogue.”—April 2, 2008

Recent Reports from ICT:Tracking the Steel DragonHow China’s economic policies and the railway aretransformingTibet

ICT’s latest groundbreaking report exploresthe alarming impact of the new railway onTibet’s land and people through first-per-son testimony, official documentation,original writings by Tibetans and Chinese,and compelling new photography.

The railway across the Tibetan plateau —the highest railroad in the world— is a toolof China’s economic policies imposed on thelives of Tibetans. The trains have broughta significant influx of Chinese people to theplateau, which intensifies the rate at whichTibetans are marginalized in their owncountry.The increased ease in access has alsocaused a boom in tourism and real estate inLhasa— leading to real fears about the sur-vival of the distinct Tibetan cultural identity.

Further, the railway is affecting Tibet’s fragile high-altitude environment, and openingup large-scale exploitation of Tibet’s mineral and natural resources — helping toconsolidate the investment of foreign corporations for the first time in what Beijingnow calls the ‘rail economy’ of Tibet.

The report is available now for download at www.savetibet.org.

The train tracks openTibet up to an onslaughtof immigration, and the

consequent marginalizationof the Tibetan people andtheir culture. Most of thepassengers coming into

Lhasa are Chinesemigrants, settlers,

and tourists.

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Supporter’s Petition toGeorgeW.Bush

Dear President Bush,

Nearly everyday a new story of brutality in Tibet surfaces as the Tibetan people standup for their human rights. Chinese soldiers and police arrest, interrogate and tortureTibetans, including Buddhist monks and nuns.

We know that just recently eight Tibetans were killed in eastern Tibet after police fired into acrowd of several hundred monks and laypeople protesting the Chinese government instituted“patriotic education” in monasteries, which demands that monks denounce the Dalai Lama.

China’s response to the tragedy unfolding in Tibet has shown that its human rights policies are notimproving, as hoped, in the lead up to the Olympics.

I call on you not to attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics. This is not the time to standnext to Chinese leaders.

Sincerely,

___________________________________________________________________________________________NAME CITY STATE

Please cut out this petition, sign it and send it to us inthe enclosed envelope so that we may present them alltogether for the greatest impact.

For more than 50 years, Tibetans have suffered underthe Chinese government. Today, a climate of fear per-vades Tibet. As Tibetans stand up to China, Chineseauthorities have stepped up their campaign demandingthat Tibetans denounce the Dalai Lama — leading toincreased resentment and creating a vicious cycle.

It’s time the violence and intimidation tactics stop. TheChinese government must resolve this conflict peace-fully and begin a dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

Your voice is essential. We must keep the pressure onworld leaders and ensure we know what’s truly hap-pening inside Tibet. Tourists have been asked to leave.Journalists have been forced out of Tibet leaving Chinawithout witnesses to their strong-armed and deadlytactics.

We are calling for President Bush to take a stand for the Tibetan peopleand not attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics.

For more information about other ways you can take action please visit: www.savetibet.org/action/

If envelope is missing, please mail to ICT Supporter Petition; 1825 Jefferson Place, NW;Washington, DC 20036.

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NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLANGHORNE, PAPERMIT NO.114

1825 Jefferson Place, NWWashington, DC 20036

Bodies of Tibetanprotesters killedby Chinese authoritiesduring a demonstrationin Ngaba County,Sichuan Province inMarch.At least 10people were reporteddead after policeopened fire on theprotesters.

WorldwideProtest overthe Chinese Crackdownin Tibet See Inside for Details

PHOTO©STEVERHODES