October 19, 2011

The Dalai Lama on hunger fast as Tibetans worldwide lead solidarity campaigns

Phayul

By Sherab Woeser

DHARAMSHALA, October 19: In one of the strongest political statements since the transfer of his political power, Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today joined a call for a day-long hunger fast and prayer service by the Kashag (cabinet).

The Dalai Lama, along with Gyalwng Karmapa and Kirti Rinpoche led an elaborate prayer service at Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala in solidarity with “Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet and particularly those who self-immolated, their families and those suffering repression in Tibet”.

Monks and nuns, school students, local Tibetans and supporters, and the entire staff of the Central Tibetan Administration led by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay were in attendance.

Speaking at the start of the special prayer service, Dr Sangay blamed China’s “hard line position” in Tibet over the “last sixty years of Communist China’s occupation” for pushing “Tibetans to a desperate situation”.

“Through its propaganda Beijing shows a different image, but in reality China practices colonialism and systematic destruction of the unique Tibetan culture, religion, language and environment because of which Tibetans have peacefully demonstrated time and again,” Dr Sangay said.

Since March this year, nine Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet, protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet and demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

Lobsang Phuntsok (20), Tsewang Norbu (29), Khaying (18), Choephel (19), and Tenzin Wangmo (20) have all succumbed to their injuries, while there is no information on the well being and whereabouts of Lobsang Kelsang (18), Lobsang Kunchok (19), Kelsang Wangchuk (17), and Norbu Damdul (19).

“We pay homage to their courage and stand in solidarity with their indomitable spirit,” said Dr Sangay while requesting “every Tibetan and Tibetan supporters to carry out activities peacefully and in accordance with the local law”.

Reiterating the Kashag’s appeal to the Chinese government to “immediately stop its repressive policies in Tibet”, Dr Sangay urged for an early resolution of the Tibetan issue through “peaceful means”.

“We would like to appeal to the United Nations to send fact-finding delegations into Tibet. We would also like to request to allow free access to the media so that the international community could know the real situation.”

Kalon Tripa is scheduled to leave for New Delhi later today to meet Indian leaders and take part in the ongoing three-day global Tibetan Solidarity Movement.

October 03, 2011

The Forgotten History of Tibet's Role in Nepal's 1949 UN Application

posted Oct 3, 2011 7:40 PM by The Tibetan Political Review   [updated Oct 5, 2011 8:13 AM ]

By the Editorial Board of The Tibetan Political Review

On September 23, 2011, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas formally submitted Palestine’s application for United Nations membership to Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.  At a minimum, Palestine appears set for recognition by the General Assembly as a nonmember state, on par with sovereign Vatican City, which will be an important step forward for Palestine from its current observer status.  This drama, which is playing out at the UN headquarters in New York, highlights the UN’s role as a main source of legitimacy in interstate relations and international affairs.   It also leads us to recall Nepal’s application for membership to that body 62 years ago, which prominently cited Nepal’s “diplomatic relations” with Tibet as proof of its sovereignty.

At the time, Nepal explicitly recognized Tibet as an independent country, including in its official application to the United Nations.  This fact, which we explore below, recalls the strong historical ties between the peoples of Nepal and Tibet.  Although Nepal currently has a “one-China” policy that recognizes Tibet as part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), it is worth remembering that this is only recent history.  The domineering presence of the PRC in Nepalese affairs is a relatively recent disruption that cannot erase from historical memory the enduring Nepali and Tibetan relations across the Himalayas. 

Nepal’s Explicit Recognition of Tibet’s Sovereignty

When Nepal applied to join the United Nations, it was required to submit proof that it was a sovereign state with the capacity to enter into relations with other states.   Tibet Justice Center has made available a copy of Nepal’s application package of July 22, 1949.  This application clearly shows that Nepal considered Tibet a sovereign state.

On page 9, the application describes Nepal’s “Diplomatic Relations”.  It states:
The Diplomatic Relations of Nepal with the United Kingdom have already been described in paragraph 4(e) above.  In addition, Nepal has established diplomatic relations with the following countries: 
(a) Tibet.  In 1856 Nepal established a Legation at Lhasa, maintained representatives at Gyangtse, Kuti and Kerung. 
(b)  France….
(c)  United States of America …
(d) India…

(e) Burma…

Nepal apparently considered its relations with the “country” of Tibet to be second in significance only to its relations with Britain, and even more significant than its relations with the USA or India. 
Nepal’s UN application also included a copy of the text of the 1856 peace treaty between Nepal and Tibet, as additional proof of Nepal’s foreign relations with other countries.  Incidentally, this treaty committed Nepal to aid in Tibet’s defense.  (Article 2: “[S]hould troops of any other Raja invade Tibet in future, [Nepal] will afford such assistance as it can.”) 

Based on the sufficiency of this application, the United Nations admitted Nepal as a member state on January 14, 1955.

China’s Attempted Cover-Up

China subsequently tried to cover up this inconvenient historical truth.  On September 20, 1956, China and Nepal signed an “Agreement to Maintain the Friendly Relations Between China and Nepal and on Trade and Intercourse Between the Tibet Region of China and Nepal”.  Article 3 of this agreement stated that “All treaties and documents which existed in the past between China and Nepal including those between the Tibet Region of China and Nepal are hereby abrogated.” 

This provision was an attempt by China to cover its legal bases by getting Nepal to annul its prior treaty commitments with Tibet, including the defense obligation of the 1856 Nepal-Tibet treaty.  As a practical and political matter, this cover-up worked.  Subsequent Nepalese governments have restated their position that Tibet is part of the PRC. 

As a legal matter, however, the 1956 treaty is shaky.  Its purported abrogation begs the question because Nepal’s Tibetan treaty obligations were with the “country” of Tibet.  There were no treaties between Nepal and the “Tibet Region of China” to be abrogated, because Nepal did not recognize such an entity to have existed until 1956.  This legal argument will not have much practical effect now, but it might be revived at an opportune time in the future.

National Dignity is a Powerful Force

Obviously, Tibetans will care about the historical fact that Nepal explicitly recognized Tibet as independent as recently as 1949, and indeed relied on its relations with Tibet to gain admission to the UN.  But this fact is also a part of Nepal’s national history.  Nepal’s relationship with Tibet deeply affects the social, political, cultural, and religious history of the Nepalese people themselves.  It is a question of national dignity for both Nepalis and Tibetans.

Nepal's envoy in Tibet, Major Bista.  
Lhasa, 1938.  
Source: Tibet Justice Center

For the Chinese government to try to change or cover over this history is an affront to the Nepalese people, and an act of historical imperialism.  Because the justification for China’s occupation of Tibet depends on a historical fiction, China has sought to get others to play along with its revisionism.  Yet despite China’s current success in bullying the Nepalese people into sometimes abrogating their own sovereignty and national history over the issue of Tibet, nothing can erase the documented fact that Nepal once recognized Tibet as an independent state at the United Nations in front of the global stage. The Nepalese people should not be bullied into denying their own national history.

Nepal has demonstrated some willingness to reject China’s interference in its affairs.  On September 22, 2011 (the day before the Palestinian U.N. application), the Government of Nepal released a group of 23 mostly-teenaged Tibetan refugees into the care of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.  What made this act particularly notable was it was done despite the tremendous pressure China exerted on tiny Nepal.  China wanted Nepal to return these refugees to Chinese-occupied Tibet, contrary to Nepal’s “Gentleman’s Agreement” concerning Tibetan refugees and the fundamental international law forbidding such refoulement.

Much has been written about how the Palestinian quest for statehood is in part a reaction to the indignities of life under occupation.  In another more subtle sense, the Chinese attempt to dictate Nepal’s refugee policy was a matter of national dignity for Nepal.  This was a Chinese intrusion into Nepal’s sovereignty, which Nepal repulsed. If we were Nepalese -- even if we cared nothing about the 23 Tibetans -- we would be happy that our government stood up for the dignity of its people and refused to be dictated to by Beijing.

Tibetans will continue to cross over the mountains in search of freedom from occupied Tibet.  The next time another group of Tibetan refugees lands in Nepalese custody, we hope that Nepalese leaders will recall without fear or embarrassment that Nepal enjoys UN membership today based on a document in which it prominently highlighted its relations with the then-independent country of Tibet.  Moreover, just as the Palestinian people are set to have their statehood finally recognized by the U.N., given the irrepressible desire of all peoples to be free, one day the Tibetan people may reach the same place. 

August 08, 2011

New PM Sangay for a speedy solution to Tibet issue

Lalit Mohan
Tribune News Service

Dharamsala

The new Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile), Lobsang Sangay, who will inherit the powers of the Dalai Lama, was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen this morning. The Dalai Lama was also present during the ceremony.
Sangay said a just and speedy resolution of the Tibet issue was in the interest of Asia. “For thousands of years, the Tibetan people served as responsible guardians of the environment in the world’s highest and largest plateau that is the source of 10 major rivers, which contribute to the livelihood of more than two billion human beings. China’s damming of rivers that originate from Tibet will undermine the livelihood of millions of people downstream in Asia.
It is for this reason that millions of people in Asia want to see that the Tibetan people are restored their traditional role of being the responsible guardians of the environment of the Tibetan plateau. This transcends politics. It touches upon the well-being and the welfare of Asia,” he said.
Sangay said when China invaded Tibet in 1959, it promised the Tibetan people a socialist paradise. First roads were built and along these roads were carted Tibet’s untapped and abundant mineral and other natural resources to China. Forests were cut. Countless priceless statues and cultural artefacts housed in destroyed monasteries and temples made their way to China.
In short, the socialist paradise that the Tibetans were promised turned into colonialism, with Tibet’s resources being used to fuel China’s development. The Tibetan people resisted this development with determination but the resistance was crushed with military might. This was the Tibetan experience of China’s socialist paradise, he alleged.
He highlighted his plans for revamping the education system for the Tibetans in exile. “In the months ahead, we will establish a Tibet policy institute that will serve as an intellectual platform to envision, develop and execute policies that will strengthen Tibet. We will also establish ‘sister shichaks’ (settlements) to strengthen solidarity between Tibetans in India and the West,” he said. Sangay, however, said he supported the middle-way approach advocated by the Dalai Lama for the resolution of the Tibet issue.
He said, “Following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi, the Dalai Lama advocates ‘ahimsa’. I, too, subscribe to it.” The Dalai Lama who was present at the swearing-in ceremony said his decision to hand over power to an elected leadership was the need of the hour.
He said his decision had now settled the issue about the future of the Tibet struggle after him. The outgoing Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Samdhong Rinpoche, showered praise on the Dalai Lama for singlehandedly carrying forward the Tibetan struggle for past more than 50 years. Targeting certain youth organisations of Tibetan exiles, he said a few people who raised doubts and scorned at the Dalai Lama’s visionary steps, should not be taken seriously. He said the issue of Tibet would be resolved sooner or later in tune with the vision of the Dalai Lama.

From poverty to Harvard

July 17, 2011

Obama meets with Dalai Lama despite China opposition

By AFP

President Obama meets with the Dalai Lama at the White House on Saturday. PHOTO: White House

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Saturday defied warnings from China and welcomed the Dalai Lama to the White House, urging respect for human rights and cultural traditions in Tibet.

China immediately lodged a protest and accused Obama of undermining relations between the world’s two largest economies by meeting with Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, who has spent more than a half-century in exile.

The White House choreographed the visit to be low key, holding it on a weekend in the mansion’s private residence. The White House later released a photo of a tieless Obama listening pensively to the robed monk.

“The president reiterated his strong support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural and linguistic traditions of Tibet and the Tibetan people throughout the world,” the White House said in a statement.

“He underscored the importance of the protection of human rights of Tibetans in China,” it said of the 44-minute meeting in the mansion’s private Map Room.

The White House did not allow reporters to enter the meeting and announced it just hours before the Dalai Lama was set to close an 11-day trip to Washington, in which the monk is leading thousands in a Buddhist ritual.

The Dalai Lama voiced happiness about the meeting and said he felt close to Obama at a “human level.”

Obama is “president of the greatest democratic country, so naturally he is showing concern about basic human values, human rights, religious freedom,” the Dalai Lama said after the meeting in response to a question from AFP.

“So naturally he shows genuine concern about the suffering in Tibet and also some other places,” he said.

The White House stressed that both the United States and Dalai Lama accepted Tibet to be a part of China. But Beijing insists that the Dalai Lama is a “splittist” and has sought to dent his popularity around the world.

China angered over Obama-Lama meeting

China’s foreign ministry had demanded Obama cancel the meeting. It expressed anger that he went ahead and urged the United States to “cease to connive and support anti-China separatist forces that seek ‘Tibet independence.’”

“Such an act has grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs, hurt the feelings of Chinese people and damaged the Sino-American relations,” foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said, according to the state Xinhua news agency.

Chinese state television made no mention of the Dalai Lama’s talks in Washington but gave prominent coverage to a rare reception by President Hu Jintao for young people from the United States.

The White House statement supported dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama’s representatives and said the Tibetan leader hoped that talks would resume soon.

China has held nine rounds of talks with the Dalai Lama’s envoys, the last in January 2010. But the dialogue has yielded no tangible progress, leading many Tibetans to believe Beijing is trying to wait out the 76-year-old monk’s death in hopes that his calls for greater rights will wither away without him.

The meeting is Obama’s second in office with the Dalai Lama; his first, in February 2010, was also closed press in the Map Room. Previous president George W. Bush met the Dalai Lama openly to award him a Congressional Gold Medal.

The White House reiterated support for a “cooperative partnership” with China, a growing power and major holder of the US debt. In January, Washington rolled out the red carpet for Hu on a state visit.

US lawmakers and human rights groups had pressed Obama to see the Dalai Lama and some voiced disappointment that he waited so long to confirm the meeting.

“This meeting is better late than never, but it remains disappointing that the Dalai Lama was squeezed in at the last minute after much apparent hemming-and-hawing from the White House due to objections from Beijing,” said Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a member of the rival Republican Party.

The State Department in its latest annual report described “severe cultural and religious repression” in Tibet along with China’s predominantly Muslim northwestern region of Xinjiang.

Rights groups this year reported a major crackdown on Kirti monastery in Sichuan province after an anti-government protest. The International Campaign for Tibet said police rounded up hundreds of monks and that two elderly Tibetan laypeople who tried to protest the monastery died after police beatings.

July 16, 2011

Obama meets with Dalai Lama; Chinese complain

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama held a White House meeting Saturday with the Dalai Lama, a fellow Nobel Peace laureate, hours after China called on the U.S. to rescind an invitation that could sour relations with Beijing.

The Tibetan spiritual leader has been in Washington for an 11-day Buddhist ritual. Thousands of expatriate Tibetans joined a 76th birthday celebration Wednesday for the Dalai Lama, who's just relinquished leadership of Tibet's government-in-exile.

The White House said that during the 45-minute private session in the Map Room, Obama "underscored the importance of the protection of human rights of Tibetans in China." In a statement issued after the meeting, the White House also said Obama reiterated his support for the preservation of Tibet's religious, cultural and linguistic traditions.

Obama restated U.S. policy that it does not support Tibetan independence, a goal that the Dalai Lama said he also does not seek.

In a nod to the criticism from Beijing, Obama also stressed to the Dalai Lama that he considers a cooperative relationship between the United States and China to be important, according to the White House statement.

In remarks after the meeting forwarded by Kate Saunders from the International Campaign for Tibet, the Dalai Lama said of his visit with Obama: "Firstly we developed a very close sort of feeling for each other." He said Obama expressed his concern over basic human values, such as human rights and religious freedoms. "So naturally he shows genuine concern about suffering in Tibet and other places."

A Chinese crackdown led the Dalai Lama to flee into exile in India in 1959. China says he's welcome to return if he drops his separatist activities, accepts Tibet as an inalienable part of China and recognizes Taiwan as a province of China.

Hours before the Dalai Lama's arrival, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the White House to cancel the visit.

"We firmly oppose any foreign official to meet with the Dalai Lama in any form," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a statement posted on the ministry's website.

"We request the U.S. side to honor its serious commitment that recognizes Tibet as part of China and opposes Tibet independence," Hong said.

The White House kept the meeting low-key, closing it from news reporters and photographers. It chose the Map Room for the visit instead of the Oval Office, which is reserved for visiting heads of state.

The visit comes less than 10 days before U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected to visit the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Vice President Joseph Biden is also scheduled to visit China this summer, followed by a trip to Washington by his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

Obama had been criticized by pro-Tibetan activists for putting off an invitation during the Dalai Lama's stay in the capital. White House officials said the president's schedule had been occupied with debt-limit negotiations with congressional leaders.

July 15, 2011

His Holiness begins actual Kalachakra empowerment

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick in Washington DC on July 14, 2011. (Photo/OHHDL/Tenzin Choejor)

DC, July 14, 2011 - On July 14th His Holiness the Dalai Lama began the first stage of the actual Kalachakra empowerment. Early in the morning, His Holiness left his hotel for the Verizon Center to continue with the preparatory self-generation prayers.

In the afternoon, before the session, Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, the former Archbishop of Washington, D.C., came to greet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness and the Cardinal first spent some time together before proceeding together to the stage where the Cardinal made some remarks of welcome. He formally welcomed His Holiness and all the guests to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Archdiocese of Washington. The Cardinal recalled his first meeting of His Holiness in the 1970s and subsequently during the Assisi summit of religious leaders in 1986. He expressed his admiration of His Holiness and said he prayed that the programs in Washington D.C. will proceed smoothly. In his remarks, His Holiness recalled the close relationship that he had with Pope John Paul II. He also said that the Assisi summit that the Cardinal had referred to was a unique experience. He said that meeting sent a signal to millions of people that different religions and different people had the same potential to serve humanity. His Holiness said it was our common responsibility to make the 21st century a century of peace saying the 20th century witnessed a lot of bloodshed.

Referring to the Christian tradition of total submission to God and doing his will, His Holiness also praised “our Christian brothers and sisters” as they have made the greatest contribution to education.

His Holiness thanked Cardinal McCarrick for his presence and presented him with a “souvenir”, a statue of the Buddha. His Holiness added that he always tells non-Buddhists that they could regard the Buddha merely as a thinker and a philosopher. His Holiness then began the first stage of the actual Kalachakra empowerment. This process included bestowal of the Bodhisattva vow, visualization of the disciple entering the mandala, etc.

At the conclusion His Holiness announced that there would not be a webcast of the session tomorrow as it is the actual empowerment that involves tantric vows that need to be received in person from the master. The public viewing of the Kalachakra Mandala also began in the evening.

US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Under Secretary Maria Otero, attended part of the afternoon session.

Today’s session (as well as yesterday) was attended by over 10,000 people. In the past few days the daily attendance has been increasing. Attendance is expected to be the largest on July 16.

July 10, 2011

Dalai Lama talks world peace

By: Nikki Schwab and Katy Adams | Examiner Staff Writer

The Dalai Lama spoke on Saturday to a crowd of thousands who filled the West Lawn of the Capitol. Whoopi Goldberg introduced the Buddhist leader in a playful tone, "I bet you're sitting there thinking, 'What, seriously, Whoopi Goldberg?' " she said, drawing a laugh.

Goldberg set the humor aside for a bit to show her respect for the Tibetan spiritual leader and his teachings, offering a pithy summary: "I actually believe that if you are nice to people, generally they are nice to you. And the day gets better."

Following her reflection, "The View" co-host introduced Skylar Grey, the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer who wrote Eminem's hit "Love the Way You Lie." For the first time in public, Gray sang her song "Coming Home," which she dedicated to the people of Tibet.

Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu delivered a video message to the crowd, urging listeners not to despair of their ability to work as individuals toward world peace.

"Think of the effect of all of those ripples," he said. "Think of the tremendous wave being crafted. With this amount of people, that wave is unstoppable."

He also invited the Dalai Lama to visit his home in South Africa so the two could sit on his porch, drink tea and reminisce.

July 05, 2011

Thousands Flock to Dalai Lama's Ancient Buddhist Ritual in DC

abc News

WASHINGTON - By SARAH BURKE

The Dalai Lama will celebrate his 76th birthday today in downtown Washington, D.C., as thousands gather to take part in an ancient Buddhist ritual and a call for world peace. Meanwhile, international political observers wait to see if the exiled Tibetan leader will be granted a meeting with President Obama, just a few blocks away.

It will be the Nobel Peace Prize winner's first official event since stepping down as Tibet's exiled political leader in March and his first since his February 2010 visit to Washington that caused tension in U.S.-Chinese relations.

The grandson and son of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. -- two international icons of nonviolence -- and tens of thousands of followers from around the world are expected to attend the ceremonies at Washington's major sports arena and pay their respects to the Dalai Lama's enduring message of peace.

But even while the majority of his time will be spent conducting religious ceremonies, the Dalai Lama will also have several political meetings in Washington, advocating for the religious and civil rights of his Tibetan Buddhist followers who fled their homeland after a failed 1959 uprising against the Chinese government.

Thousands of exiled Tibetans now live in Nepal, where today Nepalese authorities prevented Tibetans from celebrating the Dalai Lama's birthday over concerns the gatherings would turn anti-Chinese. Hundreds of riot police reportedly blocked Tibetans, including many monks and nuns, from entering a school in Kathmandu where celebrations were planned.

The Dalai Lama's last visit to Washington in February 2010 caused a diplomatic spat between the U.S. and China when he met with President Obama at the White House. The Chinese argue that the Dalai Lama is a dangerous "separatist" who wishes to sever Tibet from China.

The Obama administration has not said whether the president or Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with the Dalai Lama on this visit – although he is expected to meet with a bi-partisan group of lawmakers on Capitol Hill later this week.

Some members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., were last week urging the Obama administration to "pay the proper respect that this leader deserves," by meeting with the Dalai Lama at the White House and risking Chinese discomfort.

Ancient Spiritual Tradition

Over the next 10 days, the Dalai Lama will administer an ancient spiritual teaching, known to Tibetan Buddhists as the "kalachakra," – a practice that incorporates visualization, recitation and meditation to achieve a pure state of mind.

"From the Tibetan perspective," Matteo Pistono, a Tibetan scholar, explained, "there could not be anything more auspicious than being given the kalachakra by the Dalai Lama."

The ceremonies will primarily take place at Washington's Verizon Center – normally a home for professional basketball, hockey and rock concerts.

It may sound like an unusual arena for an event so profound for Tibetan Buddhists, but "this is exactly, precisely where the kalachakra should be given," says Pistono.

"It is believed that the stronger the negative forces are, when the tantric practices are applied within that context, they'll be of even greater benefit."

Also as part of the ritual, a "sand mandala" – an intricate, two-dimensional depiction of the kalachakra - will be constructed out of multi-colored sand to represent the qualities of compassion and wisdom. There will also be a traditional Tibetan parade, and a public address on world peace by the Dalai Lama in front of the Capitol building.

This visit comes at a unique time in Tibet's political history. Earlier this year, the Dalai Lama surprised many of his followers when he stepped down from his role in the Tibetan government-in-exile. But despite his diminished political role, the Dalai Lama is as much the Tibetan national leader as he ever was.

"It is certainly not a typical visit," said Mary Beth Markey, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, a D.C.-based political advocacy group that works closely with the Dalai Lama. "But if he meets with the President of the United States, is that a political meeting? I would say yes."

Politics aside, this week marks a very sacred event for Tibetans and many Buddhists around the world will be traveling to D.C. to attend in person.

Markey told ABC News of an elderly Tibetan woman – a nomad - who has travelled all the way to Washington from Tibet to take the kalachakra from the Dalai Lama in the Verizon Center this week.

Until now, this woman has never left Tibet nor had the chance to see or hear her spiritual leader. "He is here giving a very important religious teaching," says Markey. "Buddhists from all over the world are coming. It is absolutely impossible to do this in Tibet. That is a political message and it shouldn't be lost."

July 02, 2011

Stop state-sponsored terrorism in Tibet, Parliamentarians tell China

Special police on guard in front of a police booth in Kardze.

A network of parliamentarians in more than 30 countries condemned China’s actions in the troubled region of Kardze, eastern Tibet, calling the official crackdown, ‘state-sponsored terrorism’.

The International Parliamentarians Network on Tibet (INPaT), a global organisation constituting of law makers, in a release today expressed concern over the tense situation in Kardze and urged the Chinese authorities to immediately end the ongoing repression.

“INPaT is deeply concerned about the continuing arrests of Tibetans, including nuns and youths who courageously took to the streets to openly express their aspirations for human rights and fundamental freedoms and their wish to see the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet”, the release said.

INPaT joins a growing chorus of appeals being made by ogranisations and individuals the world over for an immediate end to the repression of peaceful voices in Kardze region.

INPaT’s statement comes days after there were reports of Chinese security forces using live fire on unarmed Tibetan protestors.

“INPaT believes that China's policy of taking forceful measures to crackdown on these peaceful demonstrations in Kardze is like a state-sponsored form of terrorism”, the release said.

Kardze in the Tibetan province of Kham has witnessed a wave of anti-China protests since June 6 with monks and nuns from surrounding monasteries carrying protests in Kardze town, raising slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s independence. Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, a Dharamshala based rights group in a statement this week reported the deployment of thousands of security troops in Kardze while describing the situation there as ‘very tense’ with ‘people living in a climate of fear’.

The parliamentarians also urged their respective governments and international bodies to swiftly act to stop the ongoing crisis in which there have been atleast 39 known cases of arrests.

“While deploring the systematic and gross violations of human rights in Tibet being committed by the Chinese authorities, INPaT calls upon governments, parliamentarians, NGOs and United Nations human rights mechanism to immediately intervene to end the harsh repression currently faced by Tibetans in Kardze”, the release said.

June 23, 2011

A possible respite for Tibet’s gold mines

In May, 2010 local Tibetans in the U Yuk Sogchen sub-district of Namling Shigatse protested environmentally destructive gold mining activities after repeated appeals to the local authorities for an end to the hazardous gold mining

In a move that could jeopardise China’s large scale gold mining efforts in Tibet, the London-based World Gold Council announced last week that it had drafted framework standards aimed at excluding ‘conflict gold’ from the market.

“Working together with its member companies and the leading gold refiners, it (the World Gold Council) has produced a draft framework of standards designed to combat gold that enables, fuels or finances armed conflict”, the global organisation said in a release.

The draft standard contains a three-tier framework of ‘benchmarks and prompts’ through which companies are needed to assess the adequacy of their systems and analyse their impacts upon those around them while keeping their conclusions auditable.

The World Gold Council specified ‘respect for human rights’ and ‘a credible and accessible grievance mechanism’ as principles underpinning the draft standard.

Mining operations boomed in Tibet after the opening of the Gormo-Lhasa railway line in 2006. There are reportedly around 100 mining sites in Tibet which is bound to see multi-fold increase with the Chinese government announcing plans in March last year of exploiting over 3,000 mineral reserves, potentially worth more than USD 125 billion.

Tibet has witnessed repeated protests at various mining sites by locals against the government-backed mining companies.

In 2009, following regular appeals made by Tibetans in Gyama, Central Tibet to the local authorities against large scale gold mining which was causing irrevocable damage to the ecology, armed security personnel were sent into the region to arrest and intimidate Tibetans from carrying out further protests.

In April this year Tibetans in Rebkong, northeast Tibet were arrested and imprisoned on false charges after they filed numerous grievances and complaints to the local authorities and to the central government against a mining company digging for gold in the upper reaches of Rebkong area.

Mr Zhaoxue Sun, chairman of China Gold International Resources which holds large shares in Tibet’s gold mines, though, maintained that they were following ethical mining practices in Tibet.

In his statement at the company’s annual general meeting held in Vancouver on June 14, Mr Sun said that the company only intended to mine in “politically stable” areas. When quizzed about the widespread uprisings in Tibet in March 2008, Executive Vice-President Jerry Xie feigned ignorance and responded that the political and human rights situation in Tibet was “harmonious” and there were no such uprisings.

The World Gold Council in its release invited interested parties including governments, NGOs, end-users and other participants in the gold supply chain to review the draft standards and to provide feedbacks by September 1.

June 22, 2011

Richard Gere voices Tibet concern at Seoul exhibition

SEOUL (AFP) – Hollywood star Richard Gere on Wednesday voiced concern at what he called torture and killing in Tibet, during a visit to South Korea to promote an exhibition of photos he took in the Himalayan territory.

Gere said some of the images in the exhibition illustrated what he called the political oppression faced by his "Tibetan brothers and sisters".

The "Pretty Woman" and "Chicago" actor is a longtime campaigner for the rights of Tibetans and a vocal critic of the Chinese government's treatment of Tibetan independence activists.

"I think it's impossible to look at these photographs and not realise the extraordinary suffering of the Tibetan people," he said.

One photo shows several drawings depicting the torture of Tibetan nuns by Chinese authorities. Gere said he found the drawings on the wall of a convent in Dharamshala, the Indian city where Tibet's government in exile is based.

He said he took the photograph in 1998 or 1999.

"The same kind of torture, the same kind of deaths... in Chinese prisons in Tibet are still taking place today," said Gere, who appeared before Congress early this month to urge greater US support for Tibetan rights.

June 4, 2011

4 year prison term for Tibetan writer

Phayul

Tashi Rabten, author of the banned literary work, 'Written in Blood' (Photo/wokar.net)

June 3, 2011

Gere says US must do more for Tibet

AFP

WASHINGTON - Actor-activist Richard Gere urged the United States on Thursday to do more to support the rights of Tibetans, as the State Department warned of a deterioration in the Himalayan territory.

Appearing before Congress, Gere - a Buddhist and longtime Tibet campaigner - said President Barack Obama "has found new footing on how to deal with the Chinese" but would "like to see him go further."

"Every time we are wishy-washy with them, they take advantage of it," Gere told the House Foreign Affairs Committee, saying that the Chinese "only deal with pressure, seriousness, firmness."

Gere warned that the Tibetan language was under threat. He called for the Obama administration, as part of its initiative to raise the number of US students in China to 100,000, to encourage study of not only Mandarin but also Tibetan and other minority languages.

The United States should refuse China's requests to open consulates in more US cities, including Atlanta, Boston and Honolulu, until it is allowed a consulate in Tibet's capital Lhasa, the actor said.

Rejecting pessimism among many Tibet watchers overseas, Gere said there was "an extraordinary opportunity now" to shape events as China experiences rapid growth and change.

"With the right attention from the United States - the most critical force for Tibet - there can be a resolution without bloodshed," Gere said in his testimony.

Appearing before the same committee, an Obama administration official urged China to end "repression" in Tibet and resume dialogue with the the Dalai Lama, the region's spiritual leader who has lived in exile since 1959.

"We are extremely concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in China and, in particular, in the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas," said Daniel Baer, the deputy assistant secretary of state for human rights.

May 18, 2011

EU High Representative Lady Ashton expresses concern on Kirti Monastery situation

BRUSSELS: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy, Lady Ashton, has expressed concern over the situation at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba region of Tibet in her letter to MEP Provera who had called on her last month urging to promptly condemn the crackdown in order to prevent further human rights violations in Tibet.

“I am very much concerned by the reports of deaths, beatings and massdetentions of monks at the monastery. The European Union Delegation in Beijing has attempted to gather facts concerning this incident, but has been unable to do so as it appears that the Chinese authorities have sealed off the monastery and all foreigners have been expelled from the area. The delegation will nevertheless continue to attempt to obtain more information about the situation on the ground,” she said.

“The European Union has repeatedly urged the Chinese authorities to allow Tibetans to exercise their religious, educational and cultural rights,” EU High Representative further noted.

“The European Union will raise the situation at Kirti monastery in its future contacts with the Chinese authorities, and will urge them to refrain from the use of force in dealing with the situation at Kirti monastery and to allow Tibetans to exercise their cultural and religious rights without hindrance,” Lady Ashton said.

Kirti Monastery in Ngaba region has been under undeclared martial law situation since 16 March following to the self-immolation of Phuntsog, a 21- year- old monk from the monastery in protest against the Chinese Government’s repression. Two elderly Tibetans have died as a direct result of severe beatings by Chinese police as they, along with other senior citizens attempted to stop Chinese police from taking around 300 monks to an undisclosed location. A wave of arrest has taken place
in the recent days.

May 15, 2011

Dalai Lama envoy urges Van Rompuy to speak out on Tibet

ANDREW RETTMAN

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - An envoy of the Dalai Lama has urged EU Council head Herman Van Rompuy to speak out on repression in Tibet during his visit to China.

When Mohammed Bouazizi, a 26-year-old fruit and vegetable seller, set himself on fire in Tunisia in December in protest against police abuses, his death triggered events which culminated in the Jasmine Revolution and the broader Arab spring.

When Phuntsog, a 20-year-old Buddhist monk, set himself on fire in China in March, police beat him while his body continued to burn, but his suicide led only to an even harder crackdown on native Tibetans. According to reports, authorities censored news of the incident, imposed a military blockade on the Ngaba region where it took place, killed people and arrested 300 monks in the Kirti monastery.

Kelsang Gyaltsen, an envoy of the Dalai Lama, Tibet's leader in exile, told EUobserver in Brussels that Phuntsog must have felt "deeply disturbed" because it is against Buddhist teaching to take any form of life.

"In Buddhism, the most important factor is motivation. If someone takes his own life in order to draw attention to the problems of other Tibetans, because they feel that there is nothing else they can do, because of this motivation the act is not considered an act of violence," he said.

Speaking on the eve of Van Rompuy's trip to Beijing, Gyaltsen urged the top EU official to confront China on human rights just as the US did earlier this week.

He said Van Rompuy should ask to send an EU delegation to visit Ngaba, seek assurances of better day-to-day treatment of Tibetans and urge Beijing to resume bilateral talks with the exiled Tibetan government in India on a final settlement for the province.

"If the Chinese side does not show any positive signs, if it brushes off the concerns expressed by the EU, he should make public the EU's disappointment and criticise the despicable situation in Tibet," Gyaltsen noted. "If the EU does not take this opportunity, it will send a very bad signal to hardliners in China that they can continue to abuse the rights of Tibetan people with impunity from the international community."

Van Rompuy recently praised Arab revolutionaries. But he has a mixed record on defending EU values.

Last November, he blocked government-critical Chinese journalists from entering his Justus Lipsius building in Brussels for a press conference with Chinese leaders. Then he let them in, but cancelled the press event in order not to upset his guests.

Asked by EUobsever if he will mention Tibet this weekend, Van Rompuy's spokesman Dirk De Backer declined to give details. "We will speak about human rights, of course," he said. "If we speak about human rights, Tibet is also part of human rights."

Asked if Van Rompuy is concerned about the crackdown in Tibet, he added: "Going to China, you are asking a very sensitive question. It's a very, very sensitive question ... How shall I say it? There are meetings that are foreseen and we will see what is the outcome."

For her part, EU foreign relations chief Catherine Ashton at EU-China talks in Budapest on Thursday (12 May) asked about Gao Zhiseng, a dissident who vanished one year ago. But she did not mention Ai WeiWei, a government-critical artist arrested in April.

Her deputy, David O'Sullivan, said she mentioned Gao amid "signs of mutual respect that we have different systems and different ways of doing business."

Asked by press in Budapest if Ai is alive, Chinese deputy foreign minister Fu Ying said: "Your question surprises me ... I didn't know you had so little confidence in China's political and judicial system." She said Ai broke the law and that "it is very condescending for Europeans to tell China that some people are beyond the law."

The Dalai Lama's envoy noted that China seeks international respectability, pointing to its effort in staging the 2008 Olympics and its hostile reaction when another jailed dissident won the 2010 Nobel prize.

Gyaltsen, who lives in Zurich, said many Europeans care about Tibet.

"People in former Communist countries understand the situation in Tibet because they remember their own experience ... in Western Europe, the general public has a lot of information about Tibet. There is a lot of support."

May 05, 2011

Tibetan Diaspora elects new Chairman of the Tibetan Cabinet: Why the EU matters

by Vincent Metten

On April 27th 2011 the Dharamsala (India)-based Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration officially announced the result of 20 March 2011 Tibetan elections to appoint the next head of the Kashag, the executive body of the Tibetan Government in Exile (TGiE), and 44 members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay has been elected to be the new Kalon Tripa (Chairman of the Tibetan Cabinet) with 27.051 votes. Lobsang Sangay, a renowned Tibetan academic based in the US, is expected to take on the administrative responsibilities in August 2011, taking over current Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, and to remain on duty for a period of five years. Dr. Sangay grew up in a Tibetan settlement in Darjeeling, India, and after having completed his Bachelor studies in Law at Delhi University, he obtained a Fulbright Scholarship to complete a Doctorate in Law at US Harvard Law School. He is considered an expert on International Law, Democratic Constitutionalism and Conflict Resolution.

More than 82,000 exile Tibetans across the world voted on 20 March 2011 for the new Kalon Tripa. The election was especially significant following the Dalai Lama’s statement to the Tibetan Parliament on 10 March of his intention to completely devolve political authority to an elected leadership. Tibetans outside Tibet voted in various parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas where there is a significant concentration of Tibetans, such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, India, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United States. Tibetans living in Kathmandu, Nepal, were denied official permission to vote in the exile elections by the government of Nepal. Promptly, the European Parliament on 6 April has adopted a resolution<http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=P7-RC-2011-0263&language=EN> calling on the Nepalese government to respect the voting rights and freedom of speech of Tibetan community in Nepal and refrain from preventive arrests. An election observers’ mission organized by the International Network of Parliamentarians for Tibet (INPaT) and funded in part by the National Endowment for Democracy, visited numerous polling places in North America, Europe and South Asia. Matteo Meccacci, co-chair of the Network, reached an agreement with the Tibetan Election Commission to observe for the first time the elections by having full access to polling stations and counting centers. Meccacci said that the election process needed to be observed and appreciated by the global community of democracies.

Heidi Hautala, chairwoman of the European Parliament Committee on Human Rights (DROI), in a blogpost<http://www.heidihautala.fi/2011/03/democracy-for-tibet/> said that elections of Tibetan community in exile represented a major step forward towards a full democratic system. The INPaT released the Final TEOM Mission Report, titled “Historic Elections of Tibetan Institutions in Exile are Deemed Free and Fair Despite Many Challenges”<http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-news/inpat-teom-releases-report-tibetan-elections>. INPaT TEOM, deems the elections held on March 20, 2011 all over the world, as free and fair, and in its recommendations to the newly elected 15th Tibetan Parliament in Exile, urges it to further improve the Tibetan democratic system by reviewing the electoral laws to reflect general international standards and recommendations, including those submitted by the Tibetan Election Commission.

The Dalai Lama has announced his desire for the full devolution of his responsibilities in the Tibetan Government in Exile to the elected Tibetan leader. In his annual address to the Tibetan people during the 10 March commemoration of the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising against the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama said: “As early as the 1960’s, I have repeatedly stressed that Tibetans need a leader, elected freely by the Tibetan people to whom I can devolve power. Now we have clearly reached the time to put this into effect.” Later, on 14 March, the Dalai Lama went into more detail on his retirement statement in a message<http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-news/message-his-holiness-dalai-lama-fourteenth-assembly-tibetan-peoples-deputies> delivered to the Fourteenth Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies. The Dalai Lama’s decision to fully devolve his formal political authority to an elected Tibetan leadership will require a legal response within the Tibetan democratic system from the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. He explained that he should be relieved of functions related to his political and administrative status and amendments to the Charter of Tibetans in Exile and other related regulations should be made accordingly. The Tibetan Parliament has decided to meet in May in a special session to consider amendments to the Charter in keeping with the message of the Dalai Lama. Then, the new parliament, which will convene in June 2011, will finalize official changes to the Charter to reflect the new political power structure.

What next? A model for Tibetan Government in Exile

The Dalai Lama’s decision represents a significant step towards the realization of his objective of making the Tibetan people politically self-reliant. To understand the Dalai Lama’s great devolution of power, it is important to consider that he currently serves as both Head of State and Head of Government, according to the Charter of Tibetans in Exile. In addition, the current Fourteenth Dalai Lama is especially recognized by Tibetans inside and outside Tibet as the spiritual patron of Tibet and as their national leader for his monumental struggle for the Tibetan cause.

In a recent study<http://www.tibetanpoliticalreview.org/articles/theshapeofthetibetangovernment-in-exileafterthedalailama%E2%80%99sdevolutionofpower>, analysts of the Tibetan Political Review have suggested that, among all available models, a “Constitutional Ganden Phodrang” model (kind of UK Constitutional Monarchy) could be a good starting point for discussions on the future outfit of the Tibetan Government in Exile. According to the study, under “Constitutional Ganden Phodrang” the Head of State would be the Dalai Lama (similar to the British Queen). He would be limited to ceremonial responsibilities while symbolically representing the Government in Exile. The Kalon Tripa would be the Head of Government, potentially directly elected as has happened with recent elections, carrying out executive activities in the name of the Head of State (Dalai Lama). Finally, there would continue to be a separate Parliament and Supreme Justice Commission, as it happens now. The same study suggests that an important element supporting this model is related to the Sino-Tibetan dialogue. As China refuses to engage with officials of the Tibetan Government in Exile but only with the Dalai Lama’s envoys, having the Dalai Lama as Head of the State could guarantee that the dialogue remains a viable option for resolving the Tibetan issue. In this way whoever engages in discussions from the Tibetan side would be speaking on behalf of the Head of State/Dalai Lama.

However, it is still too early to know the future shape of the Tibetan Central Administration as a result of this historical change. What can be said is that since 2001, much of the political authority has already been delegated to the Kalon Tripa, and the Dalai Lama has repeatedly signaled that he is less involved in the affairs of state. On several occasions, the Dalai Lama has said: “The Kalon Tripa is my political boss, and I am his spiritual boss”. The Dalai Lama will continue to be regarded by the Tibetan people as their natural leader, irrespective of the potential changes that take place in his political role in exile. His moral authority and role as free spokesman on the international stage will not be diminished.

The Dalai Lama’s announcement to transfer his political power to the elected Kalon Tripa could have other impacts. For example, an issue that will have to be assessed and followed in the future is to what extent the transfer of political authority in the exile government from the Dalai Lama to the Kalon Tripa will have on meetings with foreign leaders worldwide.

While governments can be expected to meet with the Dalai Lama as a national leader, or spiritual leader, will they engage in practical matters concerning the Tibetan diaspora and also meet with the Kalon Tripa as an authoritative and influential representative of Tibetans in exile?

This devolution of political authority in the Tibetan exile community could also have implications on how the Chinese leadership perceives the Dalai Lama. His voluntary relinquishing of government power will propose a challenge to China’s static approach to the Dalai Lama and perhaps to Beijing’s own plans for a post-Dalai Lama period. The initial reaction of the Chinese Foreign Ministry was to describe the Dalai Lama’s decision as a “trick to deceive the international community”.

Why the EU matters

Many MEPs have praised the Tibetan elections and congratulated Tibetan people on the implementation of democratic processes and institutions. The European Parliament has traditionally played a key role in reflecting public opinion and advancing policy on Tibet by adopting resolutions condemning the deterioration of human rights and promoting a peaceful solution to the problem through dialogue between the Dalai Lama or his envoys and Chinese leaders. However, the European Union remains cautious in weighing its concerns about the worsening situation of human rights in Tibet against its desire to avoid confrontation with China on what Beijing now calls a core interest of territorial integrity. Of course, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile are repeatedly on record seeking to advance genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the People’s Republic of China and not a return to an independent Tibet.

The dialogue between the Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Chinese officials is at a standstill. This process started in 2002 and since then nine rounds of talks have taken place, the latest held in January-February 2010. The current impasse is the longest break experienced since the establishment of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue. The Tibetan side has indicated that it is willing and ready to re-engage at any time in any place. However, many China experts are postponing expectations from Beijing on Tibet and other issues until the 2012 election for the next Chinese President. If this is the case, the EU should use this period to assess its Tibet policy, including pro-actively but sensitively engaging with the Dalai Lama and the new Kalon Tripa to understand their priorities and objectives. A committed and well articulated policy on Tibet could inoculate the EU from the excessive criticism from Beijing on inconsequential matters unrelated to policy. More critically, it could support a strong underpinning that would help the Tibetans and Chinese parties find mutually acceptable solutions.

The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) in its “European Foreign Policy Score Card 2010” ranks 2010 EU Foreign Policy on human rights in China and on the Dalai Lama and Tibet with a D+ grade (failed). The report discusses that, in the past, visits by the Dalai Lama and the human rights situation in Tibet have been a source of tension between China and EU member states, although 2010 was an awkwardly quiet year on these issues. According to ECFR study, there is a soft consensus within the EU about the human rights situation in Tibet, but few member states follow up on this policy bilaterally and instead relegate it to the EU human rights dialogue (the record of which is not considered effective and productive). Recent human rights dialogues, both with European governments and the United States have not resulted in any demonstrable improvements in the human rights situation in China or the release of notable political prisoners. Some observers question the utility of the dialogue as a tool to advancing rights in China and ask whether the increasingly intransigent Chinese government uses the human rights dialogue as a means to limit human rights discussion in broader bilateral engagements, such as the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue where both countries seek high-level accord.

The European Union portrays itself as a promoter of human rights and democracy worldwide and indeed drawing on its underpinning values and rights, it could play an appropriate leadership role in promoting human rights and democracy through its external relations. However, the EU often uses troubling double standards in addressing human rights concerns by targeting weak countries but not using the same attitude towards “big” partners, such as China. The recent events in North Africa and Middle East have exposed a flaw in the E.U. approach by aligning with autocratic leaders for the sake of “stability” at the expense of the people. The unfolding situation demonstrates that true stability is derived from the will of the people, a notion that the EU must consider anew even though it should be fundamental to EU foreign engagement. As journalist and essayist Jean-Paul Marthoz discussed in his recent article “L’éléphant et les alouettes”<http://www.lesoir.be/debats/chroniques/2011-03-01/l-elephant-et-les-alouettes-825249.php>, European countries, along with other western democracies, often adopt a diplomacy “du pâté d’éléphant et d’alouettes” (of elephant pate and larks): an elephant of Realpolitik, serving above all economic interests, and few larks of ethic, putting sensitive issues such as human rights and democracy at the sideline of discussions with third countries, but never at the front.

The European Union and its member states can legitimately call on China to respect human rights, based on the expressed will of the Tibetan people and on a corpus of findings over many years that document clear violations of international human rights principles. While China tries to evacuate human rights from the field of international relations, the EU should communicate its intention to review its human rights diplomacy and consider an action plan that reflects EU values and the legitimate aspirations of the Tibetan people for an end to oppression and recognition of their dignity and unique identity within the People’s Republic of China. Indiscriminate pressure is not going to lead to political reform in China, and the EU should focus on a well-articulated and consistently implemented human rights policy that includes both political and programmatic support for the new Tibetan leadership in exile and continues to value and affirm its support for the Dalai Lama and his efforts to achieve a solution for Tibet.

First steps could include: to identify responsibility in the EU for a Tibet policy review; seriously engage Tibetan exile leaders including the newly elected Kalon Tripa to discern their positions; set an agenda for discussions on Tibet with U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Under Secretary Otero; use the U.N. Special Rapporteurs to bear down on cases, like the current crackdown at Kirti Monastery<http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/ict-news-reports/protests-tensions-escalate-ngaba-following-self-immolation-monk-kirti-monastery-under-lock> in Ngaba (ch: Aba), Sichuan Province that serve as prototypes for how Chinese authorities mishandle Tibetan grievances and develop a timely prototype for an EU response; meet with the Dalai Lama and his envoys to ascertain the possibilities for a post Dalai Lama period so that a file can be prepared (the Chinese have certainly done this); and, increase monitoring of the situation in Tibet.

February 13, 2011

Tibetans not seeking 'greater Tibet': Dalai Lama

Dharamsala, Feb 13 : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has said he is not seeking a 'greater Tibet' as alleged by China, but reiterated that he cannot forsake responsibility towards finding a lasting solution to the issue.

"As a Tibetan I cannot forsake my people and my responsibility towards finding a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet. I assure Tibetans not to worry," the 75-year-old Nobel laureate said at a function in Jaipur in Rajasthan Saturday, according to a post on the website of the Tibetan government-in-exile here.

The Dalai Lama also denied allegations made by the Chinese leadership that the Tibetan side is seeking "great Tibet".

"We have never demanded 'greater Tibet'. China calls Tibet as Xizang. The Tibetan people living in exile, totalling around six million, came from different parts of Tibet, including Kham and Amdo provinces.

"But the Chinese government still calls Tibet as Xizang, which means the western side. If Xizang is considered as the only part of Tibet, then I would cease to be a Tibetan because Kham and Amdo are not within this region," the spiritual guru noted.

Delivering a talk organised by Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital and Research Institute and Barefoot College, the Dalai Lama added: "So the Chinese government's accusations that the Tibetan side is demanding a 'greater Tibet' with Tibetan areas in Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan, is just to gain political mileage."

The Dalai Lama, who was listed by Time magazine Feb 6 among the world's top 25 political icons, has been following a "middle path" policy that seeks greater autonomy for Tibetans rather than complete independence.

The Dalai Lama and his supporters fled Tibet and took refuge in India when Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa in 1959. He has since headed the Tibetan government-in-exile from here, which is not recognised by any country in the world.

February 7, 2011

Dalai Lama among TIME magazine's 'top 25 political icons' of all time

Dharamsala, February 7 - The Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been listed by TIME magazine among "Top 25 Political Icons" of all time, along with India's Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation.

The list was released February 6 coinciding with the 100th birth anniversary of the late US President Ronald Reagan. The Dalai Lama, who has often admitted the Mahatma Gandhi's influence on him, has also been lauded for the non-violence and tolerance message that he has passed on to the generations.

The prestigious magazine described the Tibetan leader as "a spiritual leader and a head of state in absentia." It said the Dalai Lama is a "not only the greatest and most public advocate for Tibetan rights and the virtues of Tibetan Buddhism, but for interfaith tolerance and peace as well."

"For decades — and from exile since 1959 — he has worked to resolve tensions between Tibet and the People's Republic of China. And like Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. before him, the Dalai Lama done so in a manner defined by nonviolence and tolerance. In 1989, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts," the magazine said on its website.

"The Dalai Lama's humility has endeared him to presidents and religious leaders of several countries, affording him the opportunity to raise awareness and drum up support for Tibet on a global scale. His 1998 book, The Art of Happiness, sold more than 1.5 million copies in the U.S. and made him a New York Times bestselling author for nearly two years.

"Yet little the 14th Dalai Lama can do seems to endear him to the authorities in Beijing, who have rebuffed his overtures, label him a "wolf in monk's robes," and seem intent on waiting for the iconic figure to die. For all the global compassion and sympathy the Dalai Lama has won, his lasting legacy may be one of sad, crestfallen failure," the magazine added.

The other figures in the list are Mughal Emperor Akbar, Alexander the Great, Mao Zedong, Winston Churchill, Genghis Khan, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Cleopatra, Franklin Roosevelt, Queen Victoria, Mussolini, Lenin, Margaret Thatcher, Simon Bolivar, Qin Shi Huang, Kim Il-Sung, Charles de Gaulle, Louis XIV, Haile Selassie, King Richard the Lionheart, and Saladin.

January 24, 2011

Tibet Haunts President Hu in Washington, DC

Dear Adolfo, Last week, Chinese President Hu Jintao was confronted by the skeletons in his closet. Tibetans and their supporters dogged the Chinese leader everywhere he went during his 3-day visit to Washington, D.C. Giant skeleton puppets representing Hu’s failed leadership and decades of repressive policies in Tibet haunted him in the streets of the U.S. capital. Watch a video roundup and view photos of the colorful protests.
From implementing martial law in Tibet in 1989 to his ongoing crackdown against pro-Tibet protesters, Hu Jintao has pursued policies that brutalize and marginalize the Tibetan people. Read the press release by Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) and the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) denouncing Hu Jintao’s failed leadership on Tibet and highlighting the Tibetan people’s enduring spirit of resistance.
	SFT and TYC also jointly projected pro-Tibet images onto the Chinese embassy in D.C. during Hu's visit. On Wednesday, SFT’s Executive Director, Tenzin Dorjee (Tendor), spoke at a coalition rally in front of the White House alongside representatives from the Ugyhur, Taiwanese, Burmese, Chinese democracy and human rights communities. Each speaker echoed the call for long overdue change in Tibet and in China; Beijing must respect universal values of human rights and freedom if China is to be truly accepted as an equal among nations and a leader on the world stage.
Our Pressure is Working! Thanks to the consistent pressure on the Obama administration over the past two years, Tibet was raised as a central issue in the United States' human rights agenda with China. President Obama pressed his Chinese counterpart to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama and his representatives.   Through our continued efforts, we can ensure that our government leaders collectively stand up to China and press for an end to its illegal occupation of Tibet.
In the coming months, Tibetans and their supporters around the world will take part in what has become an annual Lobby Day for Tibet. On this day we visit our elected representatives, update them on the situation inside Tibet, and ask for their support of the Tibetan people's nonviolent struggle for freedom. If you are interested in taking part in the Lobby Day events, please contact: grassroots@studentsforafreetibet.org and we’ll send you more information pertaining to your country. Thank you for all that you do for Tibet. With hope,   Tendor, Tendolkar, Kate, Stefanie, Mary-Kate, Tentsetan and all of us at SFT HQ News roundup of the protests in Washington, D.C: President Hu Jintao's 'Skeletons' Dance Outside White House in Human Rights Protest (ABC News): http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-hu-jintao-china-human-rights-record/story?id=12650071 Barack Obama risks China's ire with human rights remarks (Guardian): http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/19/barack-obama-china-human-rights Obama publicly raises human rights with China's Hu (Reuters): http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70C12520110119?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews Reactions to Hu's visit highlight a stark divide among Chinese Americans (Washington Post): http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/19/AR2011011903925.html China's President Begins U.S. Visit (CBS): http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7259576n&tag=contentMain;contentBody US and China Agree Human Rights Dialogue (Sky News - watch first video for Tibet coverage): http://is.gd/aGom99 White House defends Hu state visit invite (AFP): http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110118/pl_afp/uschinadiplomacyrights_20110118193102 CNN Footage Captures Tibet Chants as Hu Arrives for State Dinner: http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/politics/2011/01/19/vo.state.dinner.arrivals.cnn Associated Press Footage of Protest in front of Chinese Embassy: http://video.ap.org/?f=AP&pid=Os0b6lLIYFwvhGDXAF2clBViwJ4WwMx4 International Campaign for Tibet's Statement on U.S.-China Summit: http://savetibet.org/media-center/ict-press-releases/ict-statement-us-china-summit-positive-development-human-rights-and-tibet Support SFT's hard-hitting actions for Tibetan freedom: https://secure3.convio.net/sft/site/Donation2?df_id=1345&1345.donation=form1