Saturday, 23 January 2010 16:02 Amy Elmgren, The Tibet Post
The World Forum for Democracy in Asia (WFDA) published a press release on the latest human rights abuses and positive developments in the region. The report highlighted events in China and Tibet, noted below.
China: The high-profile dispute between Google and China has put the spotlight on issues of internet censorship. Some democracy and human rights groups are cautiously optimistic that this could be a breakthrough in the struggle for Internet freedom in China, which would have worldwide implications. On 13 January, the International Campaign for Tibet issued a statement calling it "a crack in the wall of censorship that sets a new standard." Students for Free Tibet released a statement praising Google for announcing it would end its censorship of search results in China, reminding the public of SFT's 2006 campaign to boycott Google in response to the launch of Google.cn, and pointing out that an SFT activist at Stanford University was one of the Gmail users whose accounts were hacked. Reporters Without Borders also welcomed Google's announcement; a few days later the press freedom organization condemned cyber-attacks on the Google email accounts of several Beijing-based foreign journalists, "call[ing] on [China's ]ministry of industry and information technology to provide an explanation." Yang Jianli, founder of Initiatives for China, also applauded Google's stance, while cautioning it "not to withdraw from China ¡V at least, not without a fight."
In a ceremony on 16 January, the Hon. David Kilgour, WFDA partner and former Canadian Secretary of State, together with human rights lawyer David Matas, were awarded the 2009 Human Rights Awardby the Swiss Section of the International Society of Human Rights. They were recognized for their advocacy to end the trafficking of organs in China, and Kilgour's acceptance speech drew attention to the persecution of Falun Gong and the disappearance of Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng.
On 6 January, global democracy icon Vaclav Havel attempted to deliver a petition calling for the release of Charter '08 founder Liu Xiaobo, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison on 25 December, but the Chinese embassy in Prague refused to open the door to meet him. For more details, read the statement from Chinese Human Rights Defenders.
Tibet: The 29 December sentencing of filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen to six years imprisonment was condemned in a press release from the Tibetan Youth Congress and another statement from Reporters Without Borders.
Showing posts with label En Version. Show all posts
Showing posts with label En Version. Show all posts
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Members of the Tibetan Youth Congress held a strong protest against the Chinese government in New Delhi
New Delhi: 31st December 2009 - The members of Tibetan youth congress held a strong protest against the Chinese government to condemn the suppression of recent peaceful protest in Tibet's Nyaghchuka County. The protest started at 10 am with a prayer and a minute of silence to pay respect to those who sacrificed their life for the cause of Tibet. The protesters were wearing the Tibetan national flag and Tibetan Youth Council flag to protest against deteriorating human rights conditions inside Tibet. Most of the protesters were college students who came to attend the TYC Youth Leadership Workshop. We received very good coverage from local and international media.
Today, as the world celebrates the welcoming of the New Year 2010, we are very concerned about the continuing detention and deteriorating health of Tulku Tenzin Delek. After the hours of protest we submitted the memorandum to Indian Prime Minister and to Hu Jintao, through Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India.
Tibetan Youth Congress, on behalf of six million Tibetans, appeal to human rights groups and the international community to call on the Chinese government to exercise restraint, to respect the human rights of Tibetans and peacefully resolve the volatile situation in Nyagchuka County in Karze, Tibet by addressing the legitimate grievances of the local Tibetans.
Lhakpa Tsering made a short note in Tibetan regarding the importance of this protest and urged the United Nations to be more practical.
Just after the protest at Jantar Mantar, protesters went to protest at the UN Information office to urge the United Nations to follow up and fulfill the assurance to Tibetan Youth Congress, upon the demand of our 2004 New York Hunger Strike, to take up the case of Tulku Tenzin Delek with the Chinese Government for his immediate and unconditional release. Protesters also urged for the immediate release of Panchen Gedhun, Choekyi Nyima and all the political prisoners, and put pressure on the Chinese government to improve the Human Rights situation in Tibet. After the half an hour of protest outside the UN Information office, Tsultrim Dorjee (Information Secretary) and Lhakapa Tsering (Cultural Secretary) were called inside to submit the memorandum. Mr. Sharma, the Information Officer of UN Information Center, assured that they will forward this to UNHCHR and to the concerned department. Tsultrim Dorjee and Lhakpa Tsering briefed both the Tibetan and foreign media.
* Tibetan Youth Congress condemns China’s suppression of peaceful protests in Tibet’s Nyagchuka County
* Tibetan Youth Congress expresses deep concerns over the suspicious death of a Tibetan Nun
* Appeal to the United Nations, to follow up on the assurance expressed by the UN
Today, as the world celebrates the welcoming of the New Year 2010, we are very concerned about the continuing detention and deteriorating health of Tulku Tenzin Delek. After the hours of protest we submitted the memorandum to Indian Prime Minister and to Hu Jintao, through Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India.
Tibetan Youth Congress, on behalf of six million Tibetans, appeal to human rights groups and the international community to call on the Chinese government to exercise restraint, to respect the human rights of Tibetans and peacefully resolve the volatile situation in Nyagchuka County in Karze, Tibet by addressing the legitimate grievances of the local Tibetans.
Lhakpa Tsering made a short note in Tibetan regarding the importance of this protest and urged the United Nations to be more practical.
Just after the protest at Jantar Mantar, protesters went to protest at the UN Information office to urge the United Nations to follow up and fulfill the assurance to Tibetan Youth Congress, upon the demand of our 2004 New York Hunger Strike, to take up the case of Tulku Tenzin Delek with the Chinese Government for his immediate and unconditional release. Protesters also urged for the immediate release of Panchen Gedhun, Choekyi Nyima and all the political prisoners, and put pressure on the Chinese government to improve the Human Rights situation in Tibet. After the half an hour of protest outside the UN Information office, Tsultrim Dorjee (Information Secretary) and Lhakapa Tsering (Cultural Secretary) were called inside to submit the memorandum. Mr. Sharma, the Information Officer of UN Information Center, assured that they will forward this to UNHCHR and to the concerned department. Tsultrim Dorjee and Lhakpa Tsering briefed both the Tibetan and foreign media.
* Tibetan Youth Congress condemns China’s suppression of peaceful protests in Tibet’s Nyagchuka County
* Tibetan Youth Congress expresses deep concerns over the suspicious death of a Tibetan Nun
* Appeal to the United Nations, to follow up on the assurance expressed by the UN
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
His Holiness The Dalai Lama Urges China to release Liu Xiaobo
Monday, 28 December 2009 20:15 YC. Dhardhowa, editor for The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Tibet's spiritual and political leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday urged the Chinese government to release writer Liu Xiaobo and other political prisoners.
In a statement released today, His Holiness said that he is "saddened by the Chinese government sentencing Liu Xiaobo, a well-known Chinese writer, to an 11-year jail term.”
He continued, “By forcefully sentencing Liu Xiaobo, and others like him, who use freedom of expression to publicly articulate their opinions, the Chinese authorities have not only violated the binding principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but also the freedom of expression mentioned in the constitution of the People's Republic of China.”
“I urge the Chinese government to release as soon as possible Liu Xiaobo, and other political prisoners who were jailed because of exercising freedom of expression,” the exiled Tibetan leader concluded.
Liu Xiaobo, a former Beijing Normal University professor, spent 20 months in jail for joining the 1989 student-led protests in Tiananmen Square, which ended when the government called in the military - killing hundreds, perhaps thousands, of peaceful protesters.
Liu's "Charter 08" demands a new constitution guaranteeing human rights, the open election of public officials, and freedom of religion and expression. Some 10,000 people have signed it in the past year, after Chinese authorities conducted a deadly crackdown on Tibetan demonstrators throughout Tibet—although a news blackout and Internet censorship have left most Chinese unaware that it exists.
Last Updated ( Monday, 28 December 2009 22:48 )
Dharamshala: Tibet's spiritual and political leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday urged the Chinese government to release writer Liu Xiaobo and other political prisoners.
In a statement released today, His Holiness said that he is "saddened by the Chinese government sentencing Liu Xiaobo, a well-known Chinese writer, to an 11-year jail term.”
He continued, “By forcefully sentencing Liu Xiaobo, and others like him, who use freedom of expression to publicly articulate their opinions, the Chinese authorities have not only violated the binding principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but also the freedom of expression mentioned in the constitution of the People's Republic of China.”
“I urge the Chinese government to release as soon as possible Liu Xiaobo, and other political prisoners who were jailed because of exercising freedom of expression,” the exiled Tibetan leader concluded.
Liu Xiaobo, a former Beijing Normal University professor, spent 20 months in jail for joining the 1989 student-led protests in Tiananmen Square, which ended when the government called in the military - killing hundreds, perhaps thousands, of peaceful protesters.
Liu's "Charter 08" demands a new constitution guaranteeing human rights, the open election of public officials, and freedom of religion and expression. Some 10,000 people have signed it in the past year, after Chinese authorities conducted a deadly crackdown on Tibetan demonstrators throughout Tibet—although a news blackout and Internet censorship have left most Chinese unaware that it exists.
Last Updated ( Monday, 28 December 2009 22:48 )
Thursday, December 17, 2009
China rights violators should be tried: DPP
WANTED: Activists and DPP lawmakers said that visits by Chinese officials accused of human rights violations would be an opportunity for Taiwan to prosecute them
By Loa Iok-sin,STAFF REPORTER
Friday, Dec 11, 2009, Page 3, Taipei Times
DPP lawmakers and human rights activists yesterday urged prosecution of Chinese officials who have been charged for crimes against humanity in other countries if they visit Taiwan.
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Tien Chiu-chin (田秋堇) and the activists made the call at a press conference as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) — both ratified by the Legislative Yuan in March — were written into law yesterday.
“It’s easy to sign the covenants, but what’s more important is to implement the contents,” Tien said, adding that one way for Taiwan to join the international hunt for violators of human rights was to bring Chinese officials who have been charged with crimes against humanity in other countries to justice if they visit Taiwan.
“The Chinese Communist Party’s [CCP] Chongqing committee chief Bo Xilai [薄熙來], for example, may visit Taiwan next year on the invitation of Taiwan External Trade Development Council chairman Wang Chih-kang [王志剛],” Tien said. “He has been accused of torturing thousands of Falun Gong practitioners and engaging in live organ harvesting when he served as China’s Liaoning Province chief [from 2000 to 2003].”
Tien said lawsuits had been filed against Bo in a dozen countries, including the US, the UK, Poland, Russia, Chile, Peru, Spain, South Korea, Australia, Finland and Canada.
While visiting the US on an official trip in 2004, Bo received a notice at his hotel to appear in court. In the same year, Bo and 44 Chinese officials suspected of engaging in repression of Falun Gong practitioners were put on a watchlist in Canada. In November 2007, an Australian court convicted Bo of torturing Falun Gong practitioners, Tien said.
US-based human rights lawyer Theresa Chu (朱婉琪) told the press conference that apart from codifying the two covenants, Taiwan should pass laws against hate crime, torture and other human rights violations, as many other countries that have ratified the ICCPR and the ICESCR have done.
Deng Liberty Foundation chairman Kenneth Chiu (邱晃泉) agreed.
“President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) declared that Taiwan should become an exporter of human rights and fulfill its duty of protecting human rights worldwide,” Chiu said. “We cannot just pretend that we don’t see it when Chinese officials accused of human rights violations come to this country and treat them like VIPs.”
Meanwhile, at a separate setting yesterday, Taiwan Friends of Tibet chairwoman Chow Mei-li (周美里) called on the government to promote human rights in Tibet during cross-strait negotiations, “such as the talks between [China’s] Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait chairman Chen Yunlin (陳雲林) and [Taiwan’s] Strait Exchange Foundation chairman Chiang Pin-kung (江丙坤), which will take place later this month in Taichung.”
Regional Tibetan Youth Congress-Taiwan chairman Tashi Tsering said he was disappointed in Ma.
“[During the presidential campaign] last year, Ma voiced strong support for human rights issues in Tibet, but what has he done since he was elected?” Tashi asked. “With more and more cross-strait exchanges, the government should not forget about the suffering of both the Tibetans and the Chinese under the CCP’s rule.”
By Loa Iok-sin,STAFF REPORTER
Friday, Dec 11, 2009, Page 3, Taipei Times
DPP lawmakers and human rights activists yesterday urged prosecution of Chinese officials who have been charged for crimes against humanity in other countries if they visit Taiwan.
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Tien Chiu-chin (田秋堇) and the activists made the call at a press conference as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) — both ratified by the Legislative Yuan in March — were written into law yesterday.
“It’s easy to sign the covenants, but what’s more important is to implement the contents,” Tien said, adding that one way for Taiwan to join the international hunt for violators of human rights was to bring Chinese officials who have been charged with crimes against humanity in other countries to justice if they visit Taiwan.
“The Chinese Communist Party’s [CCP] Chongqing committee chief Bo Xilai [薄熙來], for example, may visit Taiwan next year on the invitation of Taiwan External Trade Development Council chairman Wang Chih-kang [王志剛],” Tien said. “He has been accused of torturing thousands of Falun Gong practitioners and engaging in live organ harvesting when he served as China’s Liaoning Province chief [from 2000 to 2003].”
Tien said lawsuits had been filed against Bo in a dozen countries, including the US, the UK, Poland, Russia, Chile, Peru, Spain, South Korea, Australia, Finland and Canada.
While visiting the US on an official trip in 2004, Bo received a notice at his hotel to appear in court. In the same year, Bo and 44 Chinese officials suspected of engaging in repression of Falun Gong practitioners were put on a watchlist in Canada. In November 2007, an Australian court convicted Bo of torturing Falun Gong practitioners, Tien said.
US-based human rights lawyer Theresa Chu (朱婉琪) told the press conference that apart from codifying the two covenants, Taiwan should pass laws against hate crime, torture and other human rights violations, as many other countries that have ratified the ICCPR and the ICESCR have done.
Deng Liberty Foundation chairman Kenneth Chiu (邱晃泉) agreed.
“President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) declared that Taiwan should become an exporter of human rights and fulfill its duty of protecting human rights worldwide,” Chiu said. “We cannot just pretend that we don’t see it when Chinese officials accused of human rights violations come to this country and treat them like VIPs.”
Meanwhile, at a separate setting yesterday, Taiwan Friends of Tibet chairwoman Chow Mei-li (周美里) called on the government to promote human rights in Tibet during cross-strait negotiations, “such as the talks between [China’s] Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait chairman Chen Yunlin (陳雲林) and [Taiwan’s] Strait Exchange Foundation chairman Chiang Pin-kung (江丙坤), which will take place later this month in Taichung.”
Regional Tibetan Youth Congress-Taiwan chairman Tashi Tsering said he was disappointed in Ma.
“[During the presidential campaign] last year, Ma voiced strong support for human rights issues in Tibet, but what has he done since he was elected?” Tashi asked. “With more and more cross-strait exchanges, the government should not forget about the suffering of both the Tibetans and the Chinese under the CCP’s rule.”
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tibetan Youth Congress Statement on World Human Rights Day
Tibetan Youth Congress Statement on World Human Rights Day
Date: 10 December 2009
http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org/
Today, as we all observe the Universal Human Rights Day, the human rights condition inside China in general and Tibet in particular are deteriorating and China's continued colonial occupation of Tibet remains the single largest challenge to the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. China continues to carry out its policy of Cultural genocide with impunity as Tibetans, Uighurs of the East Turkistan, People of Southern Mongolia and Manchuria face a grim future under its colonial occupation.
The mass migration of Chinese settlers into Tibet has marginalized and disenfranchised Tibetans making us a minority in our own Country. China's transfer of millions of Chinese into Tibet to strengthen its occupation by completely marginalizing the Tibetans is leading to the extinction of the national identity of the Tibetan nation. The accelerated exploitation of Tibet's natural resources threatens Tibet's fragile environment. The leader of Tibet and International Buddhist leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has rightly termed the present conditions of Tibetans inside Tibet as “Hell on Earth” and “An ancient civilization and old Nation undergoing a death sentence”.
It has been over 60 years since UN adopted the Universal human rights declaration on 10 December 1948, but even today China has failed to sign and ratify some major international covenants. Although China has signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights with much reservations but it has still not ratified the covenant. We appeal the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International communities to seriously pressure China in signing and ratifying all the International covenants and instruments on Human Rights.
The US President Barack Obama has spoken forcefully about the importance of defending human rights globally in speeches in Egypt, Ghana, Turkey, and at the United Nations but in China where the government remains profoundly hostile to these concepts, he chose to speak softly on human rights and more surprisingly during the press briefing, Mr Obama stated “We did note that while we recognize that Tibet is part of the People’s Republic of China, the United States supports the early resumption of dialogue between the Chinese government and representatives of the Dalai Lama to resolve any concerns and differences that the two sides may have.” No Country or World leaders have any moral right to rewrite the history of Tibet and historicize their views on Tibet. The issue of Tibet is not just about religious freedom nor it is just about human rights but rather it is an issue of an ancient civilization which is facing complete wipe out, it is an issue of an Independent Nation which was forcefully occupied by China since 7 October 1949.
While we welcome the statement from Ms. Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR) at the 12th session of the Human Rights Council for expressing the concerns on the recent disturbances in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region and those previously in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and surrounding areas and also urging the Chinese authorities to respect human rights in upholding the law and encouraging them to reflect on the underlying causes of such incidents, which include discrimination and the failure to protect minority rights. We urge the UNCHR and World leaders to pressure China for the complete withdrawal of “Patriotic Re- education Campaigns”, “Strike Hard Campaigns”, and “Order number 5” from its implementation within the Tibetan regions of Tibet.
On this Human Rights day, we honor the never surrendering Tibetans inside Tibet and the political prisoners who continue to fight for our common goal. The constant defiance of Chinese rule by our brave brethrens inside Tibet is our only strength and inspiration that transcends all material bounds and touches the deeply rooted human need for a meaningful existence and articulates the aspirations and the grievances of the six million Tibetans inside Tibet. We who are in the free world resolve to continue our struggle from exile and overcome any challenges that lie ahead. We resolve to strengthen our democracy in exile and renew our commitment to struggle for the independence of Tibet even at the cost of one's life.
Date: 10 December 2009
http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org/
Today, as we all observe the Universal Human Rights Day, the human rights condition inside China in general and Tibet in particular are deteriorating and China's continued colonial occupation of Tibet remains the single largest challenge to the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. China continues to carry out its policy of Cultural genocide with impunity as Tibetans, Uighurs of the East Turkistan, People of Southern Mongolia and Manchuria face a grim future under its colonial occupation.
The mass migration of Chinese settlers into Tibet has marginalized and disenfranchised Tibetans making us a minority in our own Country. China's transfer of millions of Chinese into Tibet to strengthen its occupation by completely marginalizing the Tibetans is leading to the extinction of the national identity of the Tibetan nation. The accelerated exploitation of Tibet's natural resources threatens Tibet's fragile environment. The leader of Tibet and International Buddhist leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has rightly termed the present conditions of Tibetans inside Tibet as “Hell on Earth” and “An ancient civilization and old Nation undergoing a death sentence”.
It has been over 60 years since UN adopted the Universal human rights declaration on 10 December 1948, but even today China has failed to sign and ratify some major international covenants. Although China has signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights with much reservations but it has still not ratified the covenant. We appeal the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International communities to seriously pressure China in signing and ratifying all the International covenants and instruments on Human Rights.
The US President Barack Obama has spoken forcefully about the importance of defending human rights globally in speeches in Egypt, Ghana, Turkey, and at the United Nations but in China where the government remains profoundly hostile to these concepts, he chose to speak softly on human rights and more surprisingly during the press briefing, Mr Obama stated “We did note that while we recognize that Tibet is part of the People’s Republic of China, the United States supports the early resumption of dialogue between the Chinese government and representatives of the Dalai Lama to resolve any concerns and differences that the two sides may have.” No Country or World leaders have any moral right to rewrite the history of Tibet and historicize their views on Tibet. The issue of Tibet is not just about religious freedom nor it is just about human rights but rather it is an issue of an ancient civilization which is facing complete wipe out, it is an issue of an Independent Nation which was forcefully occupied by China since 7 October 1949.
While we welcome the statement from Ms. Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR) at the 12th session of the Human Rights Council for expressing the concerns on the recent disturbances in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region and those previously in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and surrounding areas and also urging the Chinese authorities to respect human rights in upholding the law and encouraging them to reflect on the underlying causes of such incidents, which include discrimination and the failure to protect minority rights. We urge the UNCHR and World leaders to pressure China for the complete withdrawal of “Patriotic Re- education Campaigns”, “Strike Hard Campaigns”, and “Order number 5” from its implementation within the Tibetan regions of Tibet.
On this Human Rights day, we honor the never surrendering Tibetans inside Tibet and the political prisoners who continue to fight for our common goal. The constant defiance of Chinese rule by our brave brethrens inside Tibet is our only strength and inspiration that transcends all material bounds and touches the deeply rooted human need for a meaningful existence and articulates the aspirations and the grievances of the six million Tibetans inside Tibet. We who are in the free world resolve to continue our struggle from exile and overcome any challenges that lie ahead. We resolve to strengthen our democracy in exile and renew our commitment to struggle for the independence of Tibet even at the cost of one's life.
Monday, November 2, 2009
EU and UK governments criticize China over recent executions in Tibet
Saturday, 31 October 2009 Amy Elmgren, The Tibet Post International
On Thursday, 29 October, the European Union issued a statement condemning the 20 October executions of Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak, who were sentenced to death along with two other Tibetans for their alleged role in the 2008 Lhasa protests.
The Swedish EU Presidency, representing the 27 EU member nations, stated that, "The EU respects China's right to bring those responsible for the violence to justice but reaffirms its longstanding opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances," adding a concern about "the conditions under which the trials were conducted, especially with regard to whether due process and other safeguards for a fair trial were respected."
The statement further called on Chinese authorities to commute, or reduce to less severe punishments, all remaining death sentences for those Tibetans involved in the Lhasa riots, as well as "to abolish the death penalty completely and, as a first step, to establish a moratorium as urged by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolutions 62/149 and 63/168."
The EU statement noted that in addition to the 27 official member states, "The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration."
The Chinese expressed a hostile reaction to the statement on Friday. "We are strongly dissatisfied with and firmly oppose the EU statement," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu stated in a news release.
Ma asserted that the Chinese trails were "fair and open", adding that, "This was China's internal affair and judicial sovereignty which allows no other country to interfere with."
The United Kingdom is not an EU member nation and was not included in the statement, but the British Parliament made its own appeal to pressure China on Monday.
"The House is shocked and saddened by the news of the deplorable judicial executions of Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak in Lhasa on 20 October 2009," read the Parliament's "Early Day Motion", which was forwarded by Harry Cohen, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet.
The motion called on the British government to take measures to ensure that Chinese authorities review the cases of those remaining Tibetans who have received the death penalty for their alleged participation in last year's March protest.
Cohen and a cross-party group of MPs requested that the British government obtain clarification on reports that two further Tibetans (Penkyi and an unidentified prisoner) were executed at the same time as Gyaltsen and Loyak; and, if the report is verified, under what legal processes these executions were carried out.
The MPs have also addressed British Foreign Secretary David Millbrand directly to follow up on the Early Day motion.
On Thursday, 29 October, the European Union issued a statement condemning the 20 October executions of Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak, who were sentenced to death along with two other Tibetans for their alleged role in the 2008 Lhasa protests.
The Swedish EU Presidency, representing the 27 EU member nations, stated that, "The EU respects China's right to bring those responsible for the violence to justice but reaffirms its longstanding opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances," adding a concern about "the conditions under which the trials were conducted, especially with regard to whether due process and other safeguards for a fair trial were respected."
The statement further called on Chinese authorities to commute, or reduce to less severe punishments, all remaining death sentences for those Tibetans involved in the Lhasa riots, as well as "to abolish the death penalty completely and, as a first step, to establish a moratorium as urged by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolutions 62/149 and 63/168."
The EU statement noted that in addition to the 27 official member states, "The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration."
The Chinese expressed a hostile reaction to the statement on Friday. "We are strongly dissatisfied with and firmly oppose the EU statement," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu stated in a news release.
Ma asserted that the Chinese trails were "fair and open", adding that, "This was China's internal affair and judicial sovereignty which allows no other country to interfere with."
The United Kingdom is not an EU member nation and was not included in the statement, but the British Parliament made its own appeal to pressure China on Monday.
"The House is shocked and saddened by the news of the deplorable judicial executions of Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak in Lhasa on 20 October 2009," read the Parliament's "Early Day Motion", which was forwarded by Harry Cohen, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet.
The motion called on the British government to take measures to ensure that Chinese authorities review the cases of those remaining Tibetans who have received the death penalty for their alleged participation in last year's March protest.
Cohen and a cross-party group of MPs requested that the British government obtain clarification on reports that two further Tibetans (Penkyi and an unidentified prisoner) were executed at the same time as Gyaltsen and Loyak; and, if the report is verified, under what legal processes these executions were carried out.
The MPs have also addressed British Foreign Secretary David Millbrand directly to follow up on the Early Day motion.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
RTYC Dharamshala Strongly Condemn the Execution of Four Tibetans
The regional Tibetan Youth congress spearheaded a protest yesterday by holding a 12-hour hunger strike to condemn the executions of four Tibetans by China. The four Tibetans had been allegedly booked for taking part in last years protests in March.
Tibetans residing in Dharamsala are outraged over the execution. A candle light vigil was also observed in memory of the martyrs in the evening.
A monk said, we are here today to show our solidarity for the people who are suffering in Tibet and especially those who are sentenced to death in Tibet.
The Tibetans also organized a mass signature campaign and called for the intervention of international community to condemn the death penalties being meted out to helpless Tibetans in China.
According to the President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Mr.Sonam Dorjee, China is the only country where maximum number of death penalties have been given. So, we believe it is the time that US Government, UN Human Rights Council and European Commission to pressurize, oppose and strongly condemn such kind of death penalties being given to innocent Tibetans and ethnic Chinese.
RTYC Dharamshala also organize a Prayer ceremony in afternoon to express solidarity and homage to martyrs of the Tibetan freedom struggle on Sunday. Around more than 300 Tibetan including monks and nuns gathered at Tsuglakhang Temple to offer prayers in memory of those who lost their lives fighting for the Tibetan cause.
Tenzin Dicky, Vice President of RTYC said that we are praying for all those who died, who have sacrificed their life without any conditions for their country. Just to raise their voice they have sacrificed their life and that's why we are praying for their souls to rest in peace. The congregation also condemned the execution of four Tibetan activists by China for their alleged role in last year's Lhasa riots.
Though, China is yet to confirm the executions, according to the information received by Dharamsala-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), as many as four Tibetans were executed for their alleged involvement in the 2008 anti-China unrest in Lhasa.
Office of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamshala.
Tibetans residing in Dharamsala are outraged over the execution. A candle light vigil was also observed in memory of the martyrs in the evening.
A monk said, we are here today to show our solidarity for the people who are suffering in Tibet and especially those who are sentenced to death in Tibet.
The Tibetans also organized a mass signature campaign and called for the intervention of international community to condemn the death penalties being meted out to helpless Tibetans in China.
According to the President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Mr.Sonam Dorjee, China is the only country where maximum number of death penalties have been given. So, we believe it is the time that US Government, UN Human Rights Council and European Commission to pressurize, oppose and strongly condemn such kind of death penalties being given to innocent Tibetans and ethnic Chinese.
RTYC Dharamshala also organize a Prayer ceremony in afternoon to express solidarity and homage to martyrs of the Tibetan freedom struggle on Sunday. Around more than 300 Tibetan including monks and nuns gathered at Tsuglakhang Temple to offer prayers in memory of those who lost their lives fighting for the Tibetan cause.
Tenzin Dicky, Vice President of RTYC said that we are praying for all those who died, who have sacrificed their life without any conditions for their country. Just to raise their voice they have sacrificed their life and that's why we are praying for their souls to rest in peace. The congregation also condemned the execution of four Tibetan activists by China for their alleged role in last year's Lhasa riots.
Though, China is yet to confirm the executions, according to the information received by Dharamsala-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), as many as four Tibetans were executed for their alleged involvement in the 2008 anti-China unrest in Lhasa.
Office of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamshala.
14 Tibetan college students arrested for protestiing Chinese FM's visit
Phayul[Tuesday, October 27, 2009 20:02]
Dharamsala, October 27 – The Karnataka police have arrested 14 Tibetan youths following separate incidents of protest in Bangalore earlier today as the foreign ministers of China, Russia and India met for the ninth RIC trilateral meeting.
The president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tsewang Rinzin, told phayul that students from the Bangalore regional Tibetan Youth Congress were protesting the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jeichi. “The police had anticipated protests by Tibetans. Police teams had even arrived at the Tibetan Youth hostel at Kormangla a few days ago but the students had already dispersed into various parts of the city to participate in demonstration today.
Twelve students were taken into custody this morning as they were protesting Yang’s visit. Later in the day two more were arrested at Leela Palace. The two were Gendun Kyab, a first year college student, and Kunchok Agar, a third year college student.
The students yelled, "shame on China, China lie people die", as they were being pushed into waiting police vans. The students were furious at China for the recent execution of four Tibetans who took part in last year's protests in Tibet. A Tibetan student said Indian external affairs minister is holding meeting with a representative of a regime that has blood in his hands."No doubt we owe a great deal to India, but I think India is morally wrong in not condemning China for the killings in Tibet and human rights violations across Tibet.
Dharamsala, October 27 – The Karnataka police have arrested 14 Tibetan youths following separate incidents of protest in Bangalore earlier today as the foreign ministers of China, Russia and India met for the ninth RIC trilateral meeting.
The president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tsewang Rinzin, told phayul that students from the Bangalore regional Tibetan Youth Congress were protesting the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jeichi. “The police had anticipated protests by Tibetans. Police teams had even arrived at the Tibetan Youth hostel at Kormangla a few days ago but the students had already dispersed into various parts of the city to participate in demonstration today.
Twelve students were taken into custody this morning as they were protesting Yang’s visit. Later in the day two more were arrested at Leela Palace. The two were Gendun Kyab, a first year college student, and Kunchok Agar, a third year college student.
The students yelled, "shame on China, China lie people die", as they were being pushed into waiting police vans. The students were furious at China for the recent execution of four Tibetans who took part in last year's protests in Tibet. A Tibetan student said Indian external affairs minister is holding meeting with a representative of a regime that has blood in his hands."No doubt we owe a great deal to India, but I think India is morally wrong in not condemning China for the killings in Tibet and human rights violations across Tibet.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Prays for Tibetans executed in Tibet
Monday, 26 October 2009 17:31 Mathew, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama this morning led prayers for the four Tibetans executed by the Chinese government, for their alleged role in arson and killing during the uprising in Tibet's capital, Lhasa, in March 2008.
Lobsang Gyaltsen (27) and Loyak (25), both from Lhasa, Penkyi (full identity unknown), and a fourth unnamed Tibetan were executed on October 20.
In his condolence message to the victims and their family members, His Holiness expressed his "deep sadness" over the executions, adding that believers in reincarnation and cause and effect should pray for all sentient beings.
The prayers were offered during the launch of His Holiness' biography at the Norbulingka Tibetan Cultural Institute, Dharamsala, India.
His Eminence the 102nd Gaden Tripa Thubten Nyima Lungtok Tenzin Norbu, His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, His Eminence the 33rd Menri Trizin Lungtok Tenpai Nyima and senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration joined the prayers.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama also mourned those killed and injured by two bomb blasts in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Sunday, which claimed at least 132 lives and wounded 520 people.
Last Updated ( Monday, 26 October 2009 18:53 )
Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama this morning led prayers for the four Tibetans executed by the Chinese government, for their alleged role in arson and killing during the uprising in Tibet's capital, Lhasa, in March 2008.
Lobsang Gyaltsen (27) and Loyak (25), both from Lhasa, Penkyi (full identity unknown), and a fourth unnamed Tibetan were executed on October 20.
In his condolence message to the victims and their family members, His Holiness expressed his "deep sadness" over the executions, adding that believers in reincarnation and cause and effect should pray for all sentient beings.
The prayers were offered during the launch of His Holiness' biography at the Norbulingka Tibetan Cultural Institute, Dharamsala, India.
His Eminence the 102nd Gaden Tripa Thubten Nyima Lungtok Tenzin Norbu, His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, His Eminence the 33rd Menri Trizin Lungtok Tenpai Nyima and senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration joined the prayers.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama also mourned those killed and injured by two bomb blasts in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Sunday, which claimed at least 132 lives and wounded 520 people.
Last Updated ( Monday, 26 October 2009 18:53 )
Tibetan Youth Congress marks 40th founding anniversary
Tibetan Youth Congress marks 40th founding anniversary
Phayul [Thursday, October 08, 2009 19:35]
By Phurbu Thinley
Dharamsala, Oct 8: Pro-independence Tibetan Youth Congress on Wednesday marked its 40th founding anniversary by reaffirming its goal of restoring Tibet’s lost independence.
Tibetan Youth Congress marks 40th Founding Anniversary
Members of Tibetan Youth Congress and hundreds of supporters gathered at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) compound to observe an elaborate ceremonial event that began with Tibetan national anthem and a minute-long silence observed in memory of Tibetan martyrs.
“We are gathered here today to mark the 40th founding anniversary of the Tibetan Youth Congress since it was first formed on 7 October, 1970, with the sole objective of restoring Tibet’s lost independence from the repressive Chinese communist rule,” said Mr Tsewang Rigzin, President of the TYC, in his opening statement.
Describing Tibetan Youth Congress as the largest non-governmental organization in the exile Tibetan community, Tsewang said the organization remained more determined than ever to achieve its founding goal of freeing Tibet from Chinese rule and pledged to carry out series of relevant social, educational and political activities to further its goals.
Reading from a prepared text statement in Tibetan, Tsewang also appealed both members and general Tibetan populace, both in and outside Tibet, to render unyielding support to the organisation and stand united in the Tibetan freedom struggle.
The organization, while respecting the Dalai Lama’s leadership role in the Tibetan freedom struggle, does not, however, approve the “middle-way approach” seeking “real and meaningful autonomy” for Tibet as advocated by the exiled Tibetan Leader and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile based in Dharamsala in resolving the Tibet issue.
Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile Dolma Gyari was the chief guest of the anniversary function.
Dolma said Tibetans must draw inspiration from the Indian freedom movement to put a common front to overcome the challenges faced by the Tibetan freedom movement.
“Whether we follow the middle-way approach or seek complete independence to resolve the issue of Tibet, we must not miss the fact that Chinese communist government is the real and common enemy we are facing,” said Dolma. "In a situation like this, we must not allow our ideological conflict come in the way of our freedom struggle. If we remain preoccupied with our ideological stance and create conflict within ourselves it will only contribute division in the Tibetan community and not towards our freedom struggle," she added.
Urging Tibetans to maintain a strong sense of unity, Dolma went on to insist various Tibetan NGOs in exile, particularly TYC, to find a way and make efforts to connect Tibetans in and outside of Tibet, which she said would benefit greatly to the Tibetan freedom struggle in the long run.
“Indomitable spirit of Tibetans inside Tibet is the strength of the Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule and we in the exile community must work to keep that spirit alive,” she said.
During the function, the outgoing and the new executive member of the Regional TYC of Dharamsala were felicitated with Tibetan ceremonial scarves (Khata).
The Tibetan Youth Congress, which claims some 35,000 registered members under its 85 regional chapters in 12 countries around the world, has organized some of the most dramatic “Free Tibet” protests over the years, often targeting Chinese embassies and consulates in different parts of the world.
Irked by the organisation’s regular protest campaigns around the world, China has lately, especially after the massive 2008 unrest in Tibet, tried to denounce the Tibetan pro-independence group by condemning it as a "violent terrorist" outfits and equating them with Al-Qaeda.
The youth organisation refutes the allegations as being baseless and unfounded, and discards it as being part of regular Chinese propaganda.
Tibet was forcefully occupied by China after Communist Chinese troops marched into Tibet in late 1949.
Tibetan spiritual and political leader, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 amidst a mass Tibetan uprising on 10 March in Lhasa against Communist China's continuing presence in Tibet.
Phayul [Thursday, October 08, 2009 19:35]
By Phurbu Thinley
Dharamsala, Oct 8: Pro-independence Tibetan Youth Congress on Wednesday marked its 40th founding anniversary by reaffirming its goal of restoring Tibet’s lost independence.
Tibetan Youth Congress marks 40th Founding Anniversary
Members of Tibetan Youth Congress and hundreds of supporters gathered at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) compound to observe an elaborate ceremonial event that began with Tibetan national anthem and a minute-long silence observed in memory of Tibetan martyrs.
“We are gathered here today to mark the 40th founding anniversary of the Tibetan Youth Congress since it was first formed on 7 October, 1970, with the sole objective of restoring Tibet’s lost independence from the repressive Chinese communist rule,” said Mr Tsewang Rigzin, President of the TYC, in his opening statement.
Describing Tibetan Youth Congress as the largest non-governmental organization in the exile Tibetan community, Tsewang said the organization remained more determined than ever to achieve its founding goal of freeing Tibet from Chinese rule and pledged to carry out series of relevant social, educational and political activities to further its goals.
Reading from a prepared text statement in Tibetan, Tsewang also appealed both members and general Tibetan populace, both in and outside Tibet, to render unyielding support to the organisation and stand united in the Tibetan freedom struggle.
The organization, while respecting the Dalai Lama’s leadership role in the Tibetan freedom struggle, does not, however, approve the “middle-way approach” seeking “real and meaningful autonomy” for Tibet as advocated by the exiled Tibetan Leader and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile based in Dharamsala in resolving the Tibet issue.
Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile Dolma Gyari was the chief guest of the anniversary function.
Dolma said Tibetans must draw inspiration from the Indian freedom movement to put a common front to overcome the challenges faced by the Tibetan freedom movement.
“Whether we follow the middle-way approach or seek complete independence to resolve the issue of Tibet, we must not miss the fact that Chinese communist government is the real and common enemy we are facing,” said Dolma. "In a situation like this, we must not allow our ideological conflict come in the way of our freedom struggle. If we remain preoccupied with our ideological stance and create conflict within ourselves it will only contribute division in the Tibetan community and not towards our freedom struggle," she added.
Urging Tibetans to maintain a strong sense of unity, Dolma went on to insist various Tibetan NGOs in exile, particularly TYC, to find a way and make efforts to connect Tibetans in and outside of Tibet, which she said would benefit greatly to the Tibetan freedom struggle in the long run.
“Indomitable spirit of Tibetans inside Tibet is the strength of the Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule and we in the exile community must work to keep that spirit alive,” she said.
During the function, the outgoing and the new executive member of the Regional TYC of Dharamsala were felicitated with Tibetan ceremonial scarves (Khata).
The Tibetan Youth Congress, which claims some 35,000 registered members under its 85 regional chapters in 12 countries around the world, has organized some of the most dramatic “Free Tibet” protests over the years, often targeting Chinese embassies and consulates in different parts of the world.
Irked by the organisation’s regular protest campaigns around the world, China has lately, especially after the massive 2008 unrest in Tibet, tried to denounce the Tibetan pro-independence group by condemning it as a "violent terrorist" outfits and equating them with Al-Qaeda.
The youth organisation refutes the allegations as being baseless and unfounded, and discards it as being part of regular Chinese propaganda.
Tibet was forcefully occupied by China after Communist Chinese troops marched into Tibet in late 1949.
Tibetan spiritual and political leader, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 amidst a mass Tibetan uprising on 10 March in Lhasa against Communist China's continuing presence in Tibet.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
21 Tibetans detained for protest outside Chinese Embassy
[New Delhi: October 1, 2009]
21 Tibetan Youth Congress activists were arrested for protesting at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. The protesters wearing black head bands and carrying Tibetan national flags attempted to scale the walls of the Chinese Embassy to protest against China’s illegal occupation of Tibet and the deteriorating human rights conditions inside Tibet.
TYC condemned the celebration of 60 years of Communist rule recognizing the spectacle as a celebration of 60 years of violence, lies and oppression committed against the people of Tibet. Describing the national celebration inside China as a propaganda tool to boost and glorify the degenerating image of the Communist Party of China, TYC appealed to the world to not allow China’s economic and military might to trump human rights and international law.
The protest started at 9:30am to coincide with the "National day parade" taking place in Beijing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Communist rule. The forceful protest near the Chinese Embassy lasted for about 20 minute before a large number of police arrived at the protest site and forcefully arrested them. The protesters called for China to "quit Tibet" and raised slogans like "Down with Chinese rule.""China makes progress by committing atrocities on an innocent people," one demonstrator said. "Millions of Tibetans are suffering in Tibet under the Chinese."
All 20 male and 1 female activists have been detained at the Chanakyapuri Police Station. They have been registered under CRPC107/151. After the detention of the protesters, TYC Vice-president met with the ACP of the Chanakyapuri Police Station and DCP of the Parliament Street Police Station to check on the conditions of the protesters and the cases they were being registered under. Among the 21 members today were members of RTYC Dharamshala, Dalahousie, Poanta Sahib, Herbertpur, Dekyiling and Rajpur.
In New Delhi, TYC Vice-president also submitted memorandums to the Prime Minister of India’s office, the United Nation’s Secretary General through UN Information Centre and to the Chinese Government through the Chinese Embassy.
A joint protest was also held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi by Tibetans and Tibet supporters including Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch. TYC Information Secretary Tsultrim Dorjee addressed the protesters and read the TYC press statement. In Dharamshala, TYC Centrex President addressed the protesters gathered in Dharamshala at a joint protest organized by RTYC Dharamshala with other organizations.
All the 21 protestors were released in the evening today, and a felicitation for the protestors release was held at a public reception in Majni-ka-tilla, Tibetan Camp. More than 200 Tibetans gathered for the public reception in Majnu ka tilla and regional associations offered scarfs to all the activists. TYC Centrex Vice President Mr. Dhondup Dorjee addressed the gathering about the significance and purpose of the campaign. He stated, "China’s 60th anniversary celebration of the founding of People’s Republic of China, is a celebration for the Communist party and not for the common people of China."
21 Tibetan Youth Congress activists were arrested for protesting at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. The protesters wearing black head bands and carrying Tibetan national flags attempted to scale the walls of the Chinese Embassy to protest against China’s illegal occupation of Tibet and the deteriorating human rights conditions inside Tibet.
TYC condemned the celebration of 60 years of Communist rule recognizing the spectacle as a celebration of 60 years of violence, lies and oppression committed against the people of Tibet. Describing the national celebration inside China as a propaganda tool to boost and glorify the degenerating image of the Communist Party of China, TYC appealed to the world to not allow China’s economic and military might to trump human rights and international law.
The protest started at 9:30am to coincide with the "National day parade" taking place in Beijing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Communist rule. The forceful protest near the Chinese Embassy lasted for about 20 minute before a large number of police arrived at the protest site and forcefully arrested them. The protesters called for China to "quit Tibet" and raised slogans like "Down with Chinese rule.""China makes progress by committing atrocities on an innocent people," one demonstrator said. "Millions of Tibetans are suffering in Tibet under the Chinese."
All 20 male and 1 female activists have been detained at the Chanakyapuri Police Station. They have been registered under CRPC107/151. After the detention of the protesters, TYC Vice-president met with the ACP of the Chanakyapuri Police Station and DCP of the Parliament Street Police Station to check on the conditions of the protesters and the cases they were being registered under. Among the 21 members today were members of RTYC Dharamshala, Dalahousie, Poanta Sahib, Herbertpur, Dekyiling and Rajpur.
In New Delhi, TYC Vice-president also submitted memorandums to the Prime Minister of India’s office, the United Nation’s Secretary General through UN Information Centre and to the Chinese Government through the Chinese Embassy.
A joint protest was also held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi by Tibetans and Tibet supporters including Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch. TYC Information Secretary Tsultrim Dorjee addressed the protesters and read the TYC press statement. In Dharamshala, TYC Centrex President addressed the protesters gathered in Dharamshala at a joint protest organized by RTYC Dharamshala with other organizations.
All the 21 protestors were released in the evening today, and a felicitation for the protestors release was held at a public reception in Majni-ka-tilla, Tibetan Camp. More than 200 Tibetans gathered for the public reception in Majnu ka tilla and regional associations offered scarfs to all the activists. TYC Centrex Vice President Mr. Dhondup Dorjee addressed the gathering about the significance and purpose of the campaign. He stated, "China’s 60th anniversary celebration of the founding of People’s Republic of China, is a celebration for the Communist party and not for the common people of China."
Friday, October 2, 2009
Tibetan activists held for protests outside Chinese Embassy
Phayul[Thursday, October 01, 2009 18:13]
By Phurbu Thinley
Dharamsala, Oct 1: Indian Police on Thursday arrested more than 20 Tibetans when they tried to swarm the Chinese embassy in New Delhi.
The demonstrations came as China celebrated the 60-year anniversary of communist rule with a massive military parade in Beijing.
"The 21 Tibetan men were arrested around 9.30 am. They were attempting to jump the wall of the embassy and were taken into custody," IANS reported a senior police official as saying.
The protest was reportedly organized by the pro-independence group Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest non-governmental organization in the exile Tibetan community.
The protestors carrying black flags and draped in Tibetan national flag assembled in front of the Chinese Embassy in the high-security Chanakyapuri area to lodge their protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. The activists later attempted to enter the premises of the Chinese embassy when they were arrested by police.
"They have made their country rich by sucking people's blood. They do not follow the path of truth. They kill our people and make their country rich,” another media reported quoted a protestor as saying.
"They (Chinese) are showing their power to the entire country. They are even trying to attack India. We Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) cannot sit quite. India is like our guide and we can even lay down our lives for it,” another protestor said.
Led by four other major Tibetans organizations, similar noisy street protests by hundreds of Tibetans and their supporters were also carried out in Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibet’s Government in exile in northern India.
Under the protest banner “60 years of Tyranny”, the exile Tibetan NGOs marked the occasion to call for democracy in China and other colonized regions by bringing to an end to the “repressive Chinese Communist regime”.
The protesters claimed that life in Tibet remains a day-to-day struggle to protect their culture and livelihood from Chinese tyranny.
“The exile Tibetan NGOs, in deepest solidarity with the people of China, Tibet and East Turkestan stand united in opposition to the tyrannical rule of the Chinese Government,” said a joint statement issued to day by Tibetan Women’s Association, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, National Democratic Party of Tibet and Students for a Free Tibet, India.
“Despite much change and economic progress in China in the last 60 years, the people of China live under the abject deprivation of the basic human rights that,” it added.
“Today the Communist Chinese regime is celebrating 60th anniversary of its founding and we are gathered here to protest the 60 years of brutal occupation and oppression of Tibet and the Tibetan people,” Tibetan Youth Congress President Mr Tsewang Rigzin told a protest gathering in Dharamsala.
“This celebration in Beijing today is an insult to injury and to hide the crimes they have committed on the people of Tibet, Inner Mongolia, East Turkestan and China,” he added.
A candle light vigil has been planned to be carried out later in the evening here.
This year also marks 50 years in exile for Tibetans since China took complete control over Tibet following a failed uprising against China in 1959. Tibetan exiles have pledged to make 2009 an action year for Tibet by organizing series of protests.
By Phurbu Thinley
Dharamsala, Oct 1: Indian Police on Thursday arrested more than 20 Tibetans when they tried to swarm the Chinese embassy in New Delhi.
The demonstrations came as China celebrated the 60-year anniversary of communist rule with a massive military parade in Beijing.
"The 21 Tibetan men were arrested around 9.30 am. They were attempting to jump the wall of the embassy and were taken into custody," IANS reported a senior police official as saying.
The protest was reportedly organized by the pro-independence group Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest non-governmental organization in the exile Tibetan community.
The protestors carrying black flags and draped in Tibetan national flag assembled in front of the Chinese Embassy in the high-security Chanakyapuri area to lodge their protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. The activists later attempted to enter the premises of the Chinese embassy when they were arrested by police.
"They have made their country rich by sucking people's blood. They do not follow the path of truth. They kill our people and make their country rich,” another media reported quoted a protestor as saying.
"They (Chinese) are showing their power to the entire country. They are even trying to attack India. We Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) cannot sit quite. India is like our guide and we can even lay down our lives for it,” another protestor said.
Led by four other major Tibetans organizations, similar noisy street protests by hundreds of Tibetans and their supporters were also carried out in Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibet’s Government in exile in northern India.
Under the protest banner “60 years of Tyranny”, the exile Tibetan NGOs marked the occasion to call for democracy in China and other colonized regions by bringing to an end to the “repressive Chinese Communist regime”.
The protesters claimed that life in Tibet remains a day-to-day struggle to protect their culture and livelihood from Chinese tyranny.
“The exile Tibetan NGOs, in deepest solidarity with the people of China, Tibet and East Turkestan stand united in opposition to the tyrannical rule of the Chinese Government,” said a joint statement issued to day by Tibetan Women’s Association, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, National Democratic Party of Tibet and Students for a Free Tibet, India.
“Despite much change and economic progress in China in the last 60 years, the people of China live under the abject deprivation of the basic human rights that,” it added.
“Today the Communist Chinese regime is celebrating 60th anniversary of its founding and we are gathered here to protest the 60 years of brutal occupation and oppression of Tibet and the Tibetan people,” Tibetan Youth Congress President Mr Tsewang Rigzin told a protest gathering in Dharamsala.
“This celebration in Beijing today is an insult to injury and to hide the crimes they have committed on the people of Tibet, Inner Mongolia, East Turkestan and China,” he added.
A candle light vigil has been planned to be carried out later in the evening here.
This year also marks 50 years in exile for Tibetans since China took complete control over Tibet following a failed uprising against China in 1959. Tibetan exiles have pledged to make 2009 an action year for Tibet by organizing series of protests.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
60th anniversary of People’s Republic: Chinese celebration, Tibetan condemnation
Thursday, 01 October 2009 15:59 Alex O. Bleecker, The Tibet Post
This morning in China, the overwhelming theme was advanced military technology. With the unveiling of 52 new weapons systems, nuclear submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles, and five new types of missiles including intercontinental ballistic nuclear missiles all bearing the tag "Made in China," Beijing today celebrated the 60th anniversary of The People's Republic. 200,000 soldiers representing the 2.3 million members of the People's Liberation Army, the largest standing army in the world, paraded through the streets of the capital city while fighter jets and airborne bombers cruised overhead to the delight of 180,000 hand-picked ticket holders.
As China celebrated, a coinciding parade organized by four Tibetan NGOs in exile was underway in Dharamsala, though the mood was not so festive. Beginning at the main Tibetan Temple where His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers teachings and holds public audience, approximately 400 protesting monks, nuns, lay Tibetans, and supporting foreigners marched for over two hours through the streets of McLeod Ganj. Carrying Tibetan flags and signs with slogans like "60 Years of Tyranny," "End Autocracy, Democracy Now," "Release All Political Prisoners," many wore black headbands to mark the period of Chinese occupation in Tibet as a dark one. As the protesters careened through the winding streets, chants of "United Nations, we want justice," "Long live the Dalai Lama," and simply "China, China, China - out, out, out!" could be heard over loudspeakers.
After the protestors completed their circuit and made their way back to the main temple, four speakers from prominent organizations in exile addressed the crowd. Ven. Ngawang Woeber, President of the GuChuSum movement of ex-political prisoners, spoke about how China is celebrating their anniversary by exhibiting their military might - the same power that enabled them to oppress people over the past 60 years by denying basic human rights. He talked about the psychology of fear, and how by keeping military muscle at the forefront of public consciousness, the government is able to subdue its citizens. Finally, he aligned Tibetans with ethnic Uighurs, victims of the Tiananmen Square massace, and other "Chinese" who have been oppressed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
President of the Tibetan Women's Association Kirti Dolkar recited a list of atrocities perpetrated by the CCP upon Tibet since occupation in 1959, including the murder of 1.2 million Tibetans, the destruction of over 60,000 monasteries, and immeasurable damage to the natural environment. "Today we condemn these things."
In his speech, read from a press release issued by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Parliament Speaker Pemba Tsering accused the Chinese government of holding anniversary celebrations in all three Tibetan provinces "to misuse [them] for political propaganda." Meanwhile Tibetans and other ethnic minorities in China have had stricter limitations imposed upon "their movements and activities in order to hide all the destruction caused by deceptive policies."
Last spoke Tsewang Rigzin, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Tibetan NGO in exile. He announced that the TYC had organized various protests throughout the world today, and that twenty-one Tibetans had already been arrested in New Delhi for protesting at the Chinese embassy there.
Following the speakers, an hour long silence was held in memory of those Tibetans killed under Chinese occupations. Many of the protestors who had worn black headbands during the march now sat with them drawn mournfully over their mouths.
This morning in China, the overwhelming theme was advanced military technology. With the unveiling of 52 new weapons systems, nuclear submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles, and five new types of missiles including intercontinental ballistic nuclear missiles all bearing the tag "Made in China," Beijing today celebrated the 60th anniversary of The People's Republic. 200,000 soldiers representing the 2.3 million members of the People's Liberation Army, the largest standing army in the world, paraded through the streets of the capital city while fighter jets and airborne bombers cruised overhead to the delight of 180,000 hand-picked ticket holders.
As China celebrated, a coinciding parade organized by four Tibetan NGOs in exile was underway in Dharamsala, though the mood was not so festive. Beginning at the main Tibetan Temple where His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers teachings and holds public audience, approximately 400 protesting monks, nuns, lay Tibetans, and supporting foreigners marched for over two hours through the streets of McLeod Ganj. Carrying Tibetan flags and signs with slogans like "60 Years of Tyranny," "End Autocracy, Democracy Now," "Release All Political Prisoners," many wore black headbands to mark the period of Chinese occupation in Tibet as a dark one. As the protesters careened through the winding streets, chants of "United Nations, we want justice," "Long live the Dalai Lama," and simply "China, China, China - out, out, out!" could be heard over loudspeakers.
After the protestors completed their circuit and made their way back to the main temple, four speakers from prominent organizations in exile addressed the crowd. Ven. Ngawang Woeber, President of the GuChuSum movement of ex-political prisoners, spoke about how China is celebrating their anniversary by exhibiting their military might - the same power that enabled them to oppress people over the past 60 years by denying basic human rights. He talked about the psychology of fear, and how by keeping military muscle at the forefront of public consciousness, the government is able to subdue its citizens. Finally, he aligned Tibetans with ethnic Uighurs, victims of the Tiananmen Square massace, and other "Chinese" who have been oppressed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
President of the Tibetan Women's Association Kirti Dolkar recited a list of atrocities perpetrated by the CCP upon Tibet since occupation in 1959, including the murder of 1.2 million Tibetans, the destruction of over 60,000 monasteries, and immeasurable damage to the natural environment. "Today we condemn these things."
In his speech, read from a press release issued by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Parliament Speaker Pemba Tsering accused the Chinese government of holding anniversary celebrations in all three Tibetan provinces "to misuse [them] for political propaganda." Meanwhile Tibetans and other ethnic minorities in China have had stricter limitations imposed upon "their movements and activities in order to hide all the destruction caused by deceptive policies."
Last spoke Tsewang Rigzin, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest Tibetan NGO in exile. He announced that the TYC had organized various protests throughout the world today, and that twenty-one Tibetans had already been arrested in New Delhi for protesting at the Chinese embassy there.
Following the speakers, an hour long silence was held in memory of those Tibetans killed under Chinese occupations. Many of the protestors who had worn black headbands during the march now sat with them drawn mournfully over their mouths.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tibetans protest Hu in NY
Phayul [Wednesday, September 23, 2009 16:03]
Dharamsala, September 23 – The Dag Hammerskjold Plaza opposite the United Nations building in New York was filled with angry protesters yesterday as Chinese president Hu Jintao arrived to deliver his first address at the United Nations on climate change.
Tibetans, Chinese, Taiwanese, Burmese, and Falun Dafa followers voiced their angst in unison against the Chinese president who they accused of oppressing thousands of innocent peoples.
Meanwhile, the Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-independence group of the Tibetan diaspora, condemned the United Nations for kowtowing to China by inviting Hu, who it accused of carrying out “gross violation of human rights in Tibet, East Turkestan and China”. Hu Jintao’s previous commitments of promoting and safeguarding world peace and seeking a harmonious society are no more than blatant lies, it said. While reiterating its demand for complete independence for Tibet the Tibetan Youth Congress appealed to the UN and the world leaders to raise the issue of Tibet through these UN Summits with the leaders of People’s Republic of China.
The outgoing Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet, Lhadon Tethong, and Tibetan activist Tenzin Tsundue spoke to the gathering that was organized jointly by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for a Free Tibet, Regional Tibetan Women's Association, US Tibet Committee, and Tibetan Community of NY/NJ. Representatives of the Tibetan NGOs also spoke to the gathering.
Tsundue argued that the solution to the issue of climate change for which the world leaders had to listen to Hu lies in the political situation of Tibet. The only solution to fix global warming is to free Tibet that has geographical significance to the world climate, Tsundue said.
Protests were also carried out later at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel where Hu will be staying during the UN general assembly.
Dharamsala, September 23 – The Dag Hammerskjold Plaza opposite the United Nations building in New York was filled with angry protesters yesterday as Chinese president Hu Jintao arrived to deliver his first address at the United Nations on climate change.
Tibetans, Chinese, Taiwanese, Burmese, and Falun Dafa followers voiced their angst in unison against the Chinese president who they accused of oppressing thousands of innocent peoples.
Meanwhile, the Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-independence group of the Tibetan diaspora, condemned the United Nations for kowtowing to China by inviting Hu, who it accused of carrying out “gross violation of human rights in Tibet, East Turkestan and China”. Hu Jintao’s previous commitments of promoting and safeguarding world peace and seeking a harmonious society are no more than blatant lies, it said. While reiterating its demand for complete independence for Tibet the Tibetan Youth Congress appealed to the UN and the world leaders to raise the issue of Tibet through these UN Summits with the leaders of People’s Republic of China.
The outgoing Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet, Lhadon Tethong, and Tibetan activist Tenzin Tsundue spoke to the gathering that was organized jointly by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for a Free Tibet, Regional Tibetan Women's Association, US Tibet Committee, and Tibetan Community of NY/NJ. Representatives of the Tibetan NGOs also spoke to the gathering.
Tsundue argued that the solution to the issue of climate change for which the world leaders had to listen to Hu lies in the political situation of Tibet. The only solution to fix global warming is to free Tibet that has geographical significance to the world climate, Tsundue said.
Protests were also carried out later at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel where Hu will be staying during the UN general assembly.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
TYC condemns the UN invitation to Chinese President Hu Jintao to address the UN Summit
22 September 2009
Tibetan Youth Congress strongly condemns the United Nations invitation to Chinese President Hu Jintao to address the UN Summit on Climate Change, the 64th annual UN General Assembly debate and the UN Security Council Summit on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament at this particular time when the human rights situation inside Tibet and East Turkistan continues to deteriorate.
In the last more than 50 years of Chinese illegal occupation of Tibet, over 1.2 million Tibetans have been killed, thousands have gone missing and still several hundreds languish in prisons. Over six thousand monasteries have been destroyed. The most recent case was brutal killings of Tibetan people in Tibet and re-launch of “strike hard” and “Patriotic Re education” campaigns in Tibet. The another alarming development is that China has turned Tibet into a vast military camp with airfield and missile base supported by more than 500,000 troops and a network of railways, roads, bridges and tunnels. China’s history of supplying nuclear technology to Pakistan, North Korea, Iran and other rouge States show that China’s stand on nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation is questionable.
Neither has China been cooperative on resolving global climate change challenges like reducing greenhouse gasses. Furthermore, China’s policy of the accelerated exploitation of Tibet’s natural resources and dumping of nuclear waste in Tibet do not conform to international safety standards and is leading to the destruction of Tibet’s fragile ecosystem.
The rapid population transfer of millions of Chinese migrants into Tibet is also overburdening the plateau and is resulting in cultural genocide. Asia's great rivers like the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Salween, Mekong, Yangtze and Yellow River flow from Tibet into several neighboring countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and others. 47 percent of the world human population depends on these rivers for their sustenance. The diversion of these rivers and the construction of large hydropower dams threaten to cause irreversible damage to the environment and have major transboundary effects on neighboring Countries.
The continued gross violation of human rights in Tibet, East Turkistan and mainland China proved against Hu Jintao’s previous commitments of promoting and safeguarding world peace and seeking a harmonious society. China’s leaders should stop making rhetorical statements and false commitments to the world. These leaders should start living up to their own words, respect international norms and stop violating the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) while reiterating its stand for the complete Independence of Tibet appeal to the UN and the world leaders to raise the issue of Tibet through these UN Summits to the leaders of People’s Republic of China. We also appeal to the international community to not remain indifferent to the sufferings of the Tibetan people and to continue your support for the just struggle of the Tibetans.
Issued by: The Office of Central Executive Committee, Tibetan Youth Congress
Contact TYC Office: 01892-221554
Tibetan Youth Congress strongly condemns the United Nations invitation to Chinese President Hu Jintao to address the UN Summit on Climate Change, the 64th annual UN General Assembly debate and the UN Security Council Summit on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament at this particular time when the human rights situation inside Tibet and East Turkistan continues to deteriorate.
In the last more than 50 years of Chinese illegal occupation of Tibet, over 1.2 million Tibetans have been killed, thousands have gone missing and still several hundreds languish in prisons. Over six thousand monasteries have been destroyed. The most recent case was brutal killings of Tibetan people in Tibet and re-launch of “strike hard” and “Patriotic Re education” campaigns in Tibet. The another alarming development is that China has turned Tibet into a vast military camp with airfield and missile base supported by more than 500,000 troops and a network of railways, roads, bridges and tunnels. China’s history of supplying nuclear technology to Pakistan, North Korea, Iran and other rouge States show that China’s stand on nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation is questionable.
Neither has China been cooperative on resolving global climate change challenges like reducing greenhouse gasses. Furthermore, China’s policy of the accelerated exploitation of Tibet’s natural resources and dumping of nuclear waste in Tibet do not conform to international safety standards and is leading to the destruction of Tibet’s fragile ecosystem.
The rapid population transfer of millions of Chinese migrants into Tibet is also overburdening the plateau and is resulting in cultural genocide. Asia's great rivers like the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Salween, Mekong, Yangtze and Yellow River flow from Tibet into several neighboring countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and others. 47 percent of the world human population depends on these rivers for their sustenance. The diversion of these rivers and the construction of large hydropower dams threaten to cause irreversible damage to the environment and have major transboundary effects on neighboring Countries.
The continued gross violation of human rights in Tibet, East Turkistan and mainland China proved against Hu Jintao’s previous commitments of promoting and safeguarding world peace and seeking a harmonious society. China’s leaders should stop making rhetorical statements and false commitments to the world. These leaders should start living up to their own words, respect international norms and stop violating the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) while reiterating its stand for the complete Independence of Tibet appeal to the UN and the world leaders to raise the issue of Tibet through these UN Summits to the leaders of People’s Republic of China. We also appeal to the international community to not remain indifferent to the sufferings of the Tibetan people and to continue your support for the just struggle of the Tibetans.
Issued by: The Office of Central Executive Committee, Tibetan Youth Congress
Contact TYC Office: 01892-221554
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
40th TYC Annual Working Committee Meeting
The 40th Annual Working Committee Meeting of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) was held at Kollegal, Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement from August 24th to 28th. The Chief Guest of the opening ceremony was Khenpo Lobsang Palden la of Sera Jey Monastery. In his speech, he urged the delegates to continue to strengthen the aims and objectives of TYC and to work unitedly to achieve the goals.In his address, Tsewang Rigzin, President of TYC remarked that “TYC will continue to play a special role in regaining Tibet’s Independence and the immediate focus and responsibility for all of us is to secure the release of all the political prisoners who are being brutally tortured and to assure their safety. To achieve these, we must persevere more than ever before”.
During the five days, the delegates passionately deliberated on all the issues with diverse opinions and passed resolutions to be implemented in the coming year including, compiling and distribution of facts of Tibet’s Independence, educating the younger generation of their role in continuing the struggle for Tibet’s Independence, raising awareness worldwide about the calamitous situation inside Tibet, a major campaign demanding a TYC delegation to visit Tibet to review the situation of political prisoners, raising awareness about the importance of the 2011 Kalon Tripa and Chitue election, to provide scholarship with specific conditions for specialized education, to commemorate July 13th annually to denounce Order No. 5.
The five day conclave was attended by 40 regional chapters from India, Nepal and North America with a total of around 100 delegates. The delegates comprised of varying age groups including many college students.
Monday, August 31, 2009
It's my moral responsibility to visit Taiwan: His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Sunday, 30 August 2009 23:55 Keary Huang, Taipei correspondent for The Tibet PostTaipei: Tibet's spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama finally arrived at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on today at night. The Taiwanese national polices have warmly received him as a president level, as well as his security. His Holiness smiled as he greeted Buddhist followers and supporters, Tibetans living in Taiwan. At the crowd, their slogans like "Dalai Lama, we love you."
His Holiness was expected to arrive an hour late, but, he arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 22:51. Tibetans living in Taiwan have performed their traditional barley powders and offered white scarfs to express their warm wishes and auspicious. Ms Chen Chu, Kaohsiung City Mayor, Zhong Chia-Bin, deputy magistrate of Pingtung County and Tian Qiu Jin, a Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party legislator also were presented Tibetan white scarfs to His Holiness.
Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said his visit to Taiwan is based purely on humanitarian and religious reasons and he has no plans to issue political statements. "I'm a Buddhist monk, and when someone asks me to share their sadness, it's my moral responsibility to accept, to go there, so I came," His Holiness said after he arrived in Taiwanese Airport. "I have no political agenda."
"I've visited different parts of the world, and I may have a political agenda there ... (but) my visit here is purely for humanitarian concerns," I don't think so so my visit to Taiwan would cause tension between China and Taiwan," he continued.
His Holiness told reporters in India on Sunday, "I don't think that is so," as I am a "very strict nonpolitical nature."
His Holiness will go to the disaster area at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow and he has canceled a international press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow, saying he would use the time to do more for the survivors. During the visit, His Holiness will hold two prayer meetings for typhoon victims - one in Kaohsiung and one in Panchiao, in northern Taiwan - before returning to India Friday morning.
Last Updated ( Monday, 31 August 2009 00:17 )
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The schedule of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Taiwan
中文行程請點這裡
August 31, 2009, Monday
10:00～11:00 Press Conference (Cancelled)
Venue: Garden Villa (B1, No.801, Chongde Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City)
13:00～16:00 Visit the survivors of Typhoon Morakot
September 1, 2009, Tuesday
09:30 Prayer Ceremony
Venue: The Kaohsiung Arena (Xiao-ju-dan) (No.777, Bo-ai Road, Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City)
14:00 Public Speech( Changed the Venue to Garden Villa, live broadcast by PTS)
Venue: The Kaohsiung Arena (Xiao-ju-dan) (No.777, Bo-ai Road, Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City)
September 2, 2009, Wednesday
10:00～12:00 His Holiness the Dalai Lama & His Eminence Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-Hsi, S.J
Venue: Hanshin Arena (9F, No.777, Bo-ai Road, Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City)
September 3, 2009, Thursday
14:00～17:00 Public Speech(Cancelled)
Venue: Taoyuan County Stadium (No.1, Sec. 1, Sanmin Rd., Taoyuan City, Taoyuan County)
August 31, 2009, Monday
10:00～11:00 Press Conference (Cancelled)
Venue: Garden Villa (B1, No.801, Chongde Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City)
13:00～16:00 Visit the survivors of Typhoon Morakot
September 1, 2009, Tuesday
09:30 Prayer Ceremony
Venue: The Kaohsiung Arena (Xiao-ju-dan) (No.777, Bo-ai Road, Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City)
14:00 Public Speech( Changed the Venue to Garden Villa, live broadcast by PTS)
Venue: The Kaohsiung Arena (Xiao-ju-dan) (No.777, Bo-ai Road, Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City)
September 2, 2009, Wednesday
10:00～12:00 His Holiness the Dalai Lama & His Eminence Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-Hsi, S.J
Venue: Hanshin Arena (9F, No.777, Bo-ai Road, Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung City)
September 3, 2009, Thursday
14:00～17:00 Public Speech(Cancelled)
Venue: Taoyuan County Stadium (No.1, Sec. 1, Sanmin Rd., Taoyuan City, Taoyuan County)
Friday, August 28, 2009
His Holiness the Dalai will visit Taiwan end of August: spoken-person
Thursday, 27 August 2009 14:12 Ms Keary Huan, Taipei correspondent for The Tibet Post International
Taipei - Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou stated on Thursday that his government has agreed to allow Tibet's spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit the typhoon-afflicted island. In his announcement, the President of Taiwan insisted that the invitation was extended for humanitarian rather than political purposes. He said, "We have decided to (agree to) the Dalai Lama's visit to pray for the souls of the deceased and bless the survivors of the typhoon."
Ma Ying-jeou made the surprise announcement on Thursday, during his visit to the site of a school in Nantou County that was destroyed by typhoon-triggered mudslides on August 8 and 9. The storm claimed 670 lives. "The Dalai Lama could come to Taiwan to help lay to rest the souls of the dead and also pray for the well being of the survivors," Ma said.
The Tibet Religion Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama called by Taiwanese government to confirm that His Holiness would receive a visa from the Taiwanese government. Mr. Sodor, the Secretary General of the Foundation, told The Tibet Post International that, "After receiving the confirmation that a visa will be provided to His Holiness from Mr. Wang Yu-chi, the spoken-person of the Taiwanese government," they have ascertained that "His Holiness will come to Taiwan in the end of August."
"Taiwanese representative in Delhi, India has informed that office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to apply visa today. "The Tibetan spiritual leader will be issued visa as soon as possible, accompanied by about 19 other people to visit Taiwan." said, Mr Weng Wen Qi representative of Taiwan in India.
"The visit is based on humanitarian and religious considerations which should not hurt cross-strait ties," Wang Yu-chi emphasized, referring to Taiwan's relations with mainland China.
Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a historic first trip to Taiwan in 1997 and visited the island again in 2001, triggering strong condemnation from China.
Taipei - Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou stated on Thursday that his government has agreed to allow Tibet's spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit the typhoon-afflicted island. In his announcement, the President of Taiwan insisted that the invitation was extended for humanitarian rather than political purposes. He said, "We have decided to (agree to) the Dalai Lama's visit to pray for the souls of the deceased and bless the survivors of the typhoon."
Ma Ying-jeou made the surprise announcement on Thursday, during his visit to the site of a school in Nantou County that was destroyed by typhoon-triggered mudslides on August 8 and 9. The storm claimed 670 lives. "The Dalai Lama could come to Taiwan to help lay to rest the souls of the dead and also pray for the well being of the survivors," Ma said.
The Tibet Religion Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama called by Taiwanese government to confirm that His Holiness would receive a visa from the Taiwanese government. Mr. Sodor, the Secretary General of the Foundation, told The Tibet Post International that, "After receiving the confirmation that a visa will be provided to His Holiness from Mr. Wang Yu-chi, the spoken-person of the Taiwanese government," they have ascertained that "His Holiness will come to Taiwan in the end of August."
"Taiwanese representative in Delhi, India has informed that office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to apply visa today. "The Tibetan spiritual leader will be issued visa as soon as possible, accompanied by about 19 other people to visit Taiwan." said, Mr Weng Wen Qi representative of Taiwan in India.
"The visit is based on humanitarian and religious considerations which should not hurt cross-strait ties," Wang Yu-chi emphasized, referring to Taiwan's relations with mainland China.
Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a historic first trip to Taiwan in 1997 and visited the island again in 2001, triggering strong condemnation from China.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Address by HH the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan-Chinese Conference in Geneva
Published: Thursday, 6 August, 2009
(Translated from the Tibetan original)
I extend my greetings to the Chair of this conference, the organizers, the delegates who have come from many different places, and guests. I would specially like to commend the International Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association for organizing this wide-ranging conference of Chinese and Tibetans.
For over a thousand years, the Tibetan and Chinese people have co-existed as friendly and harmonious neighbors with mutually enriching relations in the social and economic fields as well as in religion and culture. Occasionally, there were times when we fought each other. However, for the most part, relations between Tibetan and Chinese peoples were peaceful. Since Buddhism flourished in China before Tibet, Tibetan Buddhists accord Chinese Buddhists the respect and deference due to senior spiritual brothers and sisters.
Just as the rest of the world witnessed tumultuous developments in the twentieth century, China, too, experienced dramatic changes. Soon after the Communist Party took over China in 1949, the People’s Liberation Army entered Tibet, forcefully defeating the small and ill-equipped Tibetan army in Chamdo. In 1951, the 17-Point Agreement was signed under duress and all of Tibet was incorporated into the People’s Republic of China.
Despite all our sincere efforts to abide by the 17-Point Agreement, eventually (in 1959) I, along with my Cabinet, had to go into exile with around 80,000 Tibetans (both lay and the clergy) who were able to follow us. Soon after arriving in exile we began intensive and in-depth discussions on resolving the Tibetan problem through contact and discussions with the Chinese authorities. As a result, around 1974 we adopted the Middle Way Approach. The guiding spirit of the Middle Way Approach is the pursuit of a mutually acceptable and mutually beneficial solution through negotiations, in the spirit of reconciliation and compromise. We resolved not to seek the separation and independence of Tibet but to strive for a solution within the framework of the PRC. Thus, in 1979 when the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping signaled willingness for contact and discussion, we were fully prepared to respond positively. On establishing direct contact we sent delegations on fact-finding missions and for exploratory talks - altogether numbering 20 delegations. However, sadly there was no concrete outcome. Moreover, all direct contact ceased in 1993. As a result there were an increasing number of people in the Tibetan community in exile who did not agree with the Middle Way Approach.
Against this background, in 1997 we conducted an opinion poll among Tibetans in exile in which more than 64 per cent supported continuation of the Middle Way Approach. Consequently, we worked to re-establish contact with the Chinese Central Government and succeeded in doing so in 2002. Since then my envoys have so far had eight formal rounds of discussions with the concerned leaders of the Chinese Government and one informal meeting. Unfortunately, on account of a lack of political will on the part of the Chinese Central Government to address the issue of Tibet in a sincere and realistic way, the talks did not yield any tangible results. Moreover, the situation inside Tibet has worsened dramatically since the crisis in Tibet of March last year. Beijing has labeled those who peacefully demonstrated their dissatisfaction with policies towards minority nationalities, particularly Tibetans, as being anti-Chinese, thus fanning racial antagonism and hatred between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. This is a most irresponsible policy. It has resulted in baseless suspicion and distrust between the two communities. I am deeply saddened and concerned about this development.
Fortunately, many Chinese intellectuals have not succumbed to the propaganda of the Central Government. They have made the effort to understand the issue objectively. Thus, based on their own observations and findings, they have displayed sympathy and support for the Tibetan people in many articles. This is a source of great encouragement to the Tibetan people and triumph of truth.
My envoys have clearly conveyed both in writing and verbally, to the Central Government the essence of my Middle Way Approach that seeks a solution to the Tibetan problem within the framework of the People’s Republic of China and in accordance with the principles of its Constitution. The Constitution provides regional self-rule for minority nationalities. During the eighth round of talks last year, my envoys presented the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People. Based on provisions in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Law on Regional National Autonomy, this Memorandum explains in detail how the Tibetan people could exercise meaningful national regional autonomy. However, to our great disappointment our initiative was unabashedly labeled as disguised independence or a demand for semi-independence, and our Memorandum was categorically rejected and no effort was made to present a counter-proposal. As a result today, my faith in the good will of the present Chinese leadership is shaken.
In view of this sad state of affairs, I called a Special General Meeting of the Tibetan people. Last November around 600 delegates representing all Tibetans in exile gathered in Dharamsala for a six-day conference. The meeting discussed at length the situation inside Tibet and developments in China as well as the future course of the Tibetan freedom struggle. It also considered whatever views we were able to gather from a cross-section of Tibetans inside Tibet. Similarly, a special meeting was held by the Tibet Support Groups from all over the world.
In both meetings, even though there were strong voices calling for a change of the Middle Way Approach and an end to our contact with the present Chinese government, most of the participants endorsed continuation of the Middle Way Approach as well as the Tibetan-Chinese dialogue process. With this public affirmation of our Middle Way Approach, we stand ready to engage in earnest and sincere discussions as soon as there is a clear signal from Beijing that the Central Government is willing to address the real issues facing the six million Tibetans inside Tibet.
I have two appeals to our Chinese brothers and sisters who are participating in this conference. First, I seek your advice and frank opinions on what steps to take in future to solve the Tibetan problem. Secondly, I request your help in carrying a message to the Chinese people that we Tibetans harbor no hatred against our Chinese brothers and sisters, and that we Tibetans are neither anti-Chinese nor anti-China. I seek your help and cooperation in preventing the issue of Tibet being turned into an issue of racial prejudice and antagonism between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.
I would like to conclude by expressing my gratitude to all participants who have come from distant places, as well as to the organizers. I pray that this conference will mark an important step towards a common future based on genuine trust, friendship, mutual respect and benefit.
Dalai Lama
August 6, 2009
(Translated from the Tibetan original)
I extend my greetings to the Chair of this conference, the organizers, the delegates who have come from many different places, and guests. I would specially like to commend the International Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association for organizing this wide-ranging conference of Chinese and Tibetans.
For over a thousand years, the Tibetan and Chinese people have co-existed as friendly and harmonious neighbors with mutually enriching relations in the social and economic fields as well as in religion and culture. Occasionally, there were times when we fought each other. However, for the most part, relations between Tibetan and Chinese peoples were peaceful. Since Buddhism flourished in China before Tibet, Tibetan Buddhists accord Chinese Buddhists the respect and deference due to senior spiritual brothers and sisters.
Just as the rest of the world witnessed tumultuous developments in the twentieth century, China, too, experienced dramatic changes. Soon after the Communist Party took over China in 1949, the People’s Liberation Army entered Tibet, forcefully defeating the small and ill-equipped Tibetan army in Chamdo. In 1951, the 17-Point Agreement was signed under duress and all of Tibet was incorporated into the People’s Republic of China.
Despite all our sincere efforts to abide by the 17-Point Agreement, eventually (in 1959) I, along with my Cabinet, had to go into exile with around 80,000 Tibetans (both lay and the clergy) who were able to follow us. Soon after arriving in exile we began intensive and in-depth discussions on resolving the Tibetan problem through contact and discussions with the Chinese authorities. As a result, around 1974 we adopted the Middle Way Approach. The guiding spirit of the Middle Way Approach is the pursuit of a mutually acceptable and mutually beneficial solution through negotiations, in the spirit of reconciliation and compromise. We resolved not to seek the separation and independence of Tibet but to strive for a solution within the framework of the PRC. Thus, in 1979 when the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping signaled willingness for contact and discussion, we were fully prepared to respond positively. On establishing direct contact we sent delegations on fact-finding missions and for exploratory talks - altogether numbering 20 delegations. However, sadly there was no concrete outcome. Moreover, all direct contact ceased in 1993. As a result there were an increasing number of people in the Tibetan community in exile who did not agree with the Middle Way Approach.
Against this background, in 1997 we conducted an opinion poll among Tibetans in exile in which more than 64 per cent supported continuation of the Middle Way Approach. Consequently, we worked to re-establish contact with the Chinese Central Government and succeeded in doing so in 2002. Since then my envoys have so far had eight formal rounds of discussions with the concerned leaders of the Chinese Government and one informal meeting. Unfortunately, on account of a lack of political will on the part of the Chinese Central Government to address the issue of Tibet in a sincere and realistic way, the talks did not yield any tangible results. Moreover, the situation inside Tibet has worsened dramatically since the crisis in Tibet of March last year. Beijing has labeled those who peacefully demonstrated their dissatisfaction with policies towards minority nationalities, particularly Tibetans, as being anti-Chinese, thus fanning racial antagonism and hatred between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. This is a most irresponsible policy. It has resulted in baseless suspicion and distrust between the two communities. I am deeply saddened and concerned about this development.
Fortunately, many Chinese intellectuals have not succumbed to the propaganda of the Central Government. They have made the effort to understand the issue objectively. Thus, based on their own observations and findings, they have displayed sympathy and support for the Tibetan people in many articles. This is a source of great encouragement to the Tibetan people and triumph of truth.
My envoys have clearly conveyed both in writing and verbally, to the Central Government the essence of my Middle Way Approach that seeks a solution to the Tibetan problem within the framework of the People’s Republic of China and in accordance with the principles of its Constitution. The Constitution provides regional self-rule for minority nationalities. During the eighth round of talks last year, my envoys presented the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People. Based on provisions in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Law on Regional National Autonomy, this Memorandum explains in detail how the Tibetan people could exercise meaningful national regional autonomy. However, to our great disappointment our initiative was unabashedly labeled as disguised independence or a demand for semi-independence, and our Memorandum was categorically rejected and no effort was made to present a counter-proposal. As a result today, my faith in the good will of the present Chinese leadership is shaken.
In view of this sad state of affairs, I called a Special General Meeting of the Tibetan people. Last November around 600 delegates representing all Tibetans in exile gathered in Dharamsala for a six-day conference. The meeting discussed at length the situation inside Tibet and developments in China as well as the future course of the Tibetan freedom struggle. It also considered whatever views we were able to gather from a cross-section of Tibetans inside Tibet. Similarly, a special meeting was held by the Tibet Support Groups from all over the world.
In both meetings, even though there were strong voices calling for a change of the Middle Way Approach and an end to our contact with the present Chinese government, most of the participants endorsed continuation of the Middle Way Approach as well as the Tibetan-Chinese dialogue process. With this public affirmation of our Middle Way Approach, we stand ready to engage in earnest and sincere discussions as soon as there is a clear signal from Beijing that the Central Government is willing to address the real issues facing the six million Tibetans inside Tibet.
I have two appeals to our Chinese brothers and sisters who are participating in this conference. First, I seek your advice and frank opinions on what steps to take in future to solve the Tibetan problem. Secondly, I request your help in carrying a message to the Chinese people that we Tibetans harbor no hatred against our Chinese brothers and sisters, and that we Tibetans are neither anti-Chinese nor anti-China. I seek your help and cooperation in preventing the issue of Tibet being turned into an issue of racial prejudice and antagonism between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.
I would like to conclude by expressing my gratitude to all participants who have come from distant places, as well as to the organizers. I pray that this conference will mark an important step towards a common future based on genuine trust, friendship, mutual respect and benefit.
Dalai Lama
August 6, 2009
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