_________________ WTN-L World Tibet Network News _________________
Published by: The Canada Tibet Committee
Editorial Board: Brian Given, Conrad Richter, Nima Dorjee,
Tseten Samdup, Thubten (Sam) Samdup
WTN Editors: wtn-editors@tibet.ca
______________________________________________________________________
Issue ID: 00/03/13 Compiled by Thubten (Sam) Samdup
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Monday, March 13, 2000 (II)
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Contents:
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1. Tibet- Why are We Silent?
2. 41ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIBETAN NATIONAL PEOPLE'S UPRISING DAY
COMMEMORATED IN France
3. TIBETANS IN CANBERRA COMMEMORATE 10 MARCH
4. MARCH 10th COMMEMORATION IN SWITZERLAND
5. March 10th in Israel
6. March 10th & 11th Events in Germany
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1. Tibet- Why are We Silent?
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By Sue Williams
'The Martlet', Volume 52, University of Victoria
March 9th, 2000
This Friday March 10th marks the anniversary of a failed national
uprising in the country of Tibet, when 87,000 Tibetans were killed by
Chinese armed forces. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual and
political leader, was forced to escape into exile in India at this time,
soon followed by 100,000 Tibetans.
For Tibetans, violations of human rights and suppression of their
distinctive cultural and religious life persists to this day. The
Chinese government is currently elevating its repression of dissidents,
and is sentencing political activists and Tibetan religious leaders to
prison terms of up to 18 years. Thousands of Tibetans have been
imprisoned for their political or religious views, and torture is
carried out regularly on prisoners. Monks and nuns are forced to undergo
political re-education during which they are forced to denounce their
religion and the Dalai Lama or face repercussions. China's policies of
population transfer, and forced abortions and sterilizations, have
reduced Tibetans to a minority in much of their own nation. Young
Tibetans are currently not allowed to speak their own language in
schools, and pictures of the Dalai Lama are outlawed.
The Tibetan liberation movement has been gaining momentum over the past
few years. Movies such as Seven Years in Tibet and Kundun, and
celebrities such as Richard Gere and Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys,
have brought the Tibet issue into the consciousness of mainstream
society. But even this new found recognition of the Tibet issue has not
resulted in the international support that the Tibet movement needs.
To date, only four countries have met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
as Head of State of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. The Dalai Lama was
the first VIP visitor to Lithuania after it gained independence from the
USSR. He has also met with officials from Estonia, the Czech Republic
and the Buryatia Republic. Though other countries such as the U.S. have
received His Holiness, it has only been in the capacity of a religious
leader, refusing to acknowledge him as the political leader of Tibet.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama first appealed to the United Nations in the
fall of 1950, after Chinese forces crossed the border into Tibetan
territory. In the face of China's unwarranted act of aggression towards
Tibet, he asked the UN to intercede on behalf of the Tibetan people,
fearing that Tibet would soon lose its independence. Tibet had never had
formal relations with Western countries, and for that reason was not
recognized as an independent state and had no representation at the UN.
It was partly because of this lack of recognition as an independent
state that the international community did not intervene. In 1959, after
his escape into exile, the Dalai Lama decided that he would once again
appeal to the UN for help, and attempted to gain support from various
countries. At this time the British government instructed its
ambassadors to actively discourage any country from supporting the
question of Tibet at the UN. Britain feared that by recognizing Tibet
as an independent state and condemning China's actions in Tibet,
parallels could be drawn with the colonization of countries under the
rule of Britain and other Europeans countries, setting a very dangerous
precedent. In the end, a resolution was sponsored by Ireland and Malaya.
The resolution was passed, but in very discreet terms merely condemned
the human rights abuses in Tibet, and did not call on China to withdraw
or to negotiate with the Dalai Lama.
Since 1959, three resolutions have been passed by the United Nations,
the last one being in 1991. Although these resolutions condemn China's
human rights violations in Tibet, and call for "the cessation of
practices which deprive the Tibetan people of their fundamental human
rights and freedoms including their right to self-determination", they
have had no noticeable effect on China's actions. The resolutions do not
appoint a mediator to discuss the issue, or urge the Chinese government
to enter into negotiations with the Dalai Lama.
Recently, the United States has announced that it plans to sponsor a
resolution critical of China's deteriorating human rights abuses at the
upcoming session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights
(UNCHR) in Geneva next month. Canada, a previous sponsor of the
resolution, dropped its support three years ago in favour of pursuing a
policy of bilateral discussions and programs. These discussions have
proved to be unsuccessful in promoting change. As Canada's third largest
trading partner after the United States and Japan, the Canadian
government considers China much too important economically to mix trade
discussions with human rights. As stated in "The China and Hong Kong
Trade Action Plan 2000", Canada believes that China "shows great promise
of becoming the world's largest consumer market." This Trade Action Plan
was designed to help Canadian companies take maximum advantage of trade
and investment opportunities in China and Hong Kong.
In recent years, and especially since the Dalai Lama was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, the support of governments in Europe and
America has grown. There have been resolutions passed by parliamentary
bodies condemning human rights violations in Tibet and calling for an
open discussion between China and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.
However, these countries still continue to have economic relations with
China without any preconditions. So despite the growing concern, China
has defeated any efforts to make substantial headway to resolve this
issue. Instead, China has in fact increased their crackdown on political
and spiritual dissidents in both China and Tibet.
It is time for the international community to stand together and
seriously challenge China on its behavior and the issue of Tibet. Canada
and other countries should not continue to trade and do business with
China, without asking for certain conditions to be met. China should be
urged to enter into negotiations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
regarding the issue of Tibetan self-determination, release all its
political prisoners, and stop the detention and punishment of people for
expressing their opinions and beliefs. It is wrong to continue to
sacrifice the fundamental human rights and freedoms of a country's
people for the sake of trade and economic aspirations.
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2. 41ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIBETAN NATIONAL PEOPLE'S UPRISING DAY
COMMEMORATED IN France
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On 10th March 2000, the Tibetan Community in France organised the
commemoration in Paris. The Tibetans and their French supporters,
around 400 persons, gathered at 2 P.M. at the Trocadéro Square, where
the programmes began by the Tibetan national anthem, MIMANG LANGLU
patriotic song and by recitation of the PRAYER CALLING FOR TRUTH. Mr
Wei Jingsheng attended the part of this programme. Then, the march
through the streets went on during which the following slogans were
shouted in French : " Tibet belongs to Tibetans " , " UNO, we want
justice ", " Long live, the Dalai Lama ", " Free Panchen Lama ", "
China, go home ". The slogans were also occasionally shouted in Tibetan
and in English.
This time again the French authorities failed to give permission to hold
rally directly before the Chinese Embassy but the rally could be hel
some 70 meters away in the same street where the Embassy lies.
His Holiness' 10th March 2000 message was read in French by Wangpo
Bashi. Mr Leclerc, President of the prominent French human rights
organisation " Ligue des Droits de l'Homme " gave a short but moving
speech. He denounced the coward attitude of Western governments in the
face of such grave situation as in former Yugoslavia, Turkey, etc.. But
he specifically lamented at the plight of Tibetan people since he said "
over forty years now, the Tibetan people continues to suffer what we
witness today in Kosovo and Chechenya ". He fervently appealed the
French people to join massively in supporting the Tibetan cause.
Mr Cai Chungguo, President of the Chinese Democratic Movement based in
France, spoke briefly to say that in 1991, when he heard the slogan "
China, go home " he was totally shocked and reacted negatively but as
the years go by, he says he fully understands the struggle of the
Tibetan people.
The Chinese dissident leader, Mr Wei Jingsheng attended the first part
of the programme and had to leave during the mid programme for his way
on to London.
Mr Gyatso, President of the Tibetan Community in France, thanked the
public and appealed to the French executive and government to continue
to support the dialogue initiative to resolve peacefully the Tibet
issue.
A delegation of five Tibetans went to present a letter to the Chinese
Embassy. As usual the letter was not accepted but the delegation
managed to slide the letter under the entry door.
The TSG Representative Christophe Cunniet criticised the over cautious
attitude of the French government vis à vis China. He pointed out the
strong handed measures of the French authorities during the autumn 1999
State visit of the Chinese president Jiang Zemin.
Finally the Tibetan national anthem was sung to conclude the
commemoration of Paris. The manifestation concluded at 8.30 P.M.
On 11th March 2000, another national level commemoration event was held
in Strasbourg. Where over 150 persons participated in the demonstration
and march. Here too, the French authorities did not give any permission
to hold demonstration before the Chinese Consulate. The Strasbourg
demonstration where some eleven Tibetans including the Bureau du Tibet's
Secretary, was organised by the local TSG Tibet Lions des Neiges. The
local regional TV France 3, included in its evening 7 P.M. news the
commemoration day of Strasbourg.
We were also informed that a manifestation has been organised on 10th
March in Nice, and on 11th March in Marseille. In Marseille, the
autorisation has been reportedly given to stage demonstration before the
Chinese Consulate there.
Although we are in a process of collecting the exact list of the French
towns and cities, we can safely say that over three hundred of them have
hoisted the Tibetan national flag at their respective mayor building on
the 10th March to show their solidarity to the people of Tibet. It may
be noted that in 1999, 342 French towns and municipalities have hoisted
the Tibetan national flag.
We have also been informed that for the first time, some two districts
(including the affluence area of 16th district or arrondissement) within
Paris town have accepted officially to hoist the flag - however, these
districts have at the last moment, cancelled the hoisting.
THIS REPORT SUBMITTED BY BUREAU DU TIBET, PARIS, ON 13th March 2000.
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3. TIBETANS IN CANBERRA COMMEMORATE 10 MARCH
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CANBERRA, 10 MARCH 2000 (TIO): The Tibetan community in Canberra along
with the local Tibet Support Group, held a peaceful candle light vigil
in front of the Chinese Embassy to mark the 41st anniversary of the
Tibetan National Uprising Day. About 60 people gathered on the evening
of 10 March, with banners and candles. Lama Chodak, a local religious
teacher and board member of the Australia Tibet Council presided the
gathering.
The commemoration started by reciting "Long Life Prayer for His
Holiness" and after that His Holiness' 10 March statement was read by
Representative Mr. Chope Paljor Tsering. Other speakers at the
gathering were Mr. Ian Denman, Representative of the local Amnesty
International and Mr. Migyur Samkhar, president of the local Tibetan
community. Mr. Denman spoke at length, the Amnesty's human rights
concern to various suppressed people including Tibetan people.
The day was also observed in Melbourne and Sydney. In Sydney, the 3rd
Australian Peace March for Tibet's independence led by Zatul Rinpoche
arrived outside the Chinese Consulate after a nine day walk of 180 kms
along the south coast of New South Wales. About 80 people attended the
rally. Later His Holiness's 10 March statement was read by
Representative Mr. Chope Paljor Tsering. Other speakers at the rally
included Zatul Rinpoche, Dorji Dolma, and Greens MP Ian Cohen.
MEDIA RELEASE:
ACT (AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY) TIBETANS TO COMMEMORATE TIBET'S
TRAGEDY
The Tibetan community ACT will hold a candle light vigil in front of the
Chinese Embassy to mark the 41 anniversary of the Tibetan National
Uprising day at:
6 pm
Friday 10 March
Chinese Embassy, Canberra
Tibet was invaded and occupied by China in 1949. The Dalai Lama,
Tibet's head of state and spiritual leader, a firm believer in
non-violence, tried for nine years to reach a peaceful accommodation of
the Chinese. In 1959 the cycle of resistance and brutal repression
culminated in a national uprising against the Chinese and the fleeing in
exile of the Dalai Lama. The Chinese troops crushed the uprising,
killing over 87'000 Tibetans in Central Tibet alone according to Chinese
sources. Since then 1.2 million Tibetans have died due to the Chinese
occupation. 6254 monasteries, temples and places of worship have been
destroyed.
"We hold this vigil to let the Chinese leadership know that the issue of
Tibet will not go away without giving the Tibetan people the freedom to
choose their own destiny. We also want the international community to
know that Tibet is an international issue that need to be peacefully
resolved" Mr. Zamling Dorje, Secretary of the local Tibetan community.
Tibetans commemorate this tragic day every year with demonstrations
against the continued suppression of Tibetan peoples right in occupied
Tibet.
There are currently 615 documented political prisoners in Tibet. Since
1996 11,409 monks and nuns have been expelled from the monasteries.
China still has not disclosed the fate and whereabout of the ten year
old Panchen Lama who along with his parents were taken away from the
home since May 1995. The 14 year old Karmapa Lama, one of the most
revered Tibetan spiritual leader escaped in exile in January this year.
- Report submitted by Tibet Information Office
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4. MARCH 10th COMMEMORATION IN SWITZERLAND
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14 March, Geneva/Bern - Tibetans and their supporters commemorated the
41st Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day by holding
demonstrations in Geneva and Bern on 10 and 11 March respectively.
On 10 March, Tibetans and their supporters numbering around 35 people
held a symbolic vigil in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva to
commemorate the Tibetan National Uprising Day. The vigil began with the
reading of the 10 March Statement of H. H. the Dalai Lama in French.
Earlier in the day, seven persons held a silent vigil to express their
personal support to the Tibetan cause at the Chinese Mission to the
United Nations in Geneva. They are joined by 7 policemen.
On 11 March, Tibetans and their supporters gathered in central Bern to
commemorate the 41st Tibetan National Uprising Day. The gathering began
with the singing of the 10 March song, "Sumchu Drenlhu" which was
followed by reading of the 10 March Statement of H. H. the Dalai Lama in
Tibetan and German languages. Mrs. Ruth Gonseth, chairperson of the
Swiss Parliamentary Group for Tibet spoke, was the main speaker at the
demonstration.
The demonstrators carrying placards calling for "Dialogue" and the
Tibetan national flag then marched to the Chinese Embassy where various
slogans was raised. Representatives of Tibetan Community in
Switzerland, Swiss-Tibetan Friendship Association and Tibetan Youth
Association in Europe spoke to the gathering at the Chinese embassy.
The embassy was heavily guarded by the Swiss police fully prepared with
riot-control equipments . The demonstration ended with the singing of
the Tibetan National anthem and forwarding a Memorandum to the Chinese
Embassy.
According to Swiss newspapers, more 750 people participated in the Bern
demonstration.
Forwarded by Tibet Bureau, Geneva
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5. March 10th in Israel
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Sat, 11 Mar 2000 19:23:13 +0200
IFTIP - Israeli Friends of the Tibetan People have chosen to mark March
10th, the 41st anniversary of the Tibet Uprising Day in Jerusalem. About
250 people have gathered in the Jerusalem Cinematheque for 4 hours of
lectures, speeches, documentaries and movies about Tibet and the Chinese
occupation. Amongst the documentaries were "Testimony" - about Palden
Gyatso, "A letter from Chauntra" a documentary made by Shachar Zaider
(one of IFTIP members) about the Tibetan unique education system in
exile, and more. Amongst the speakers was Geshe Thubten Tendhar of
Namgyal Monastery. The Jerusalem Cinematheque, located near the old city
of Jerusalem, was decorated with Tibetan flags and banners and caught
much attention. The Israeli TV also reported about various events world
wide, concerning March 10th.
Yaki Platt
IFTIP - Israeli Friends of the Tibetan People
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6. March 10th & 11th Events in Germany
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On March 11th, about 100 people followed an appeal of the Tibet
Initiative Deutschland (TID) for a manifestation in front of the Chinese
embassy in Berlin. It was the first event of this kind since the embassy
has moved from Bonn to Berlin, but certainly not the last one. The day
before, 445 German municipalities raised the Tibetan flag. A delegation
of TID and the Association of Tibetans in Germany (VTD) brought the list
of all the names to the embassy. The delegates were received at the
reception, but the officials refused to accept the list.
During the manifestation, the chairman of the the VTD, Ngudop und the
chairman of TID, Klemens Ludwig, gave addresses the the participants.
Ngudop reminded of the tragic days in Lhasa 41 years ago and the
destruction of the Tibetan culture since then. Klemens Ludwig focussed
on the present situation and the responsibility of the German
government. He urged Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer to pick up the
signal from the municipalities and handle the Tibet question not only as
a problem of human rights, but also as a case of refused
self-determination.
The Tibetan singer Lobsang Dhargye gave an impression of the Tibetan
culture in exile.
The media coverage was satisfying. There was a small report in the
biggest TV-Station of Berlin, SFB and some news agency also took up the
event.
At the same time, the biggest Tourism Fair of the world (ITB) opened ist
doors. We planned a public event for China and Tibet tourists, asking
them "to look for the Panchen Lama". When the Chinese found out, a high
rank delagation from the embassy went to the board of the fair. The
management reacted immediately and canceled our event. We were offered
an alternative outside the Fair at a place and time where nobody would
notice. Unfortunately, we were part of a working group including 19
environmental and tourist groups. The Fair made it clear, that all the
groups would be kicked out if we make this public. With respect to the
others we had to accept, but we have learned a lot for next year.
Klemens Ludwig Tibet Initiative Deutschland
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