Published by: World Tibet Network News, Monday, March 11, 1996

From: Tibet Culture & Information Centre, Moscow

Date: Sat, 11 Mar 95 18:41:16 +0300

Moscow: Hundreds of friends and supporters of Tibet commemorated today the 37th anniversary of the Tibetan people's uprising against Chinese occupation of Tibet in 4 cities of Russian Federation and in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

In Moscow, a peaceful demonstration was held in front of Chinese Embassy today at 14.00 hrs. Carrying the Tibetan national flags, banners and posters, the demonstrators raised slogans: "Freedom for Tibet", "Chinese! Quit Tibet", "Save Tibet" and "Tibet Belongs to Tibetans".The demonstration was organised by Radical Party and it was joined by Anti-Fascist Youth Movement and supporters of Tibet belonging to various nationalities, such as, Russians, Buriats, Kalmyks, Tuvinians, Jews, Mongols and Tatars. After reading the 10th March Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,Mr. Nikolia Khramov, Chief of Radical Party, Mrs. Kara-Kys Arakchaa, a former member of Russian Parliament, and Secretary of Anti-Fascist Youth Movement gave speeches condemning the Chinese forcible occupation of Tibet and they urged the people to support the non-violent struggle of Tibetan people for freedom & self-determination. Literaturs on the current situation in Tibet and the 10th March Statement of H.H.the Dalai Lama were distributed

.Several journalists turned up to cover the event. Moscow Radio, Eko Moscow Radio and TV Channel-7 interviewed Tibetan Representative Nawang Rabgyal and Mr. Nikolia Khramov, Chief of Radical Party,in front of Chinese Embassy, about the significance and causes of the 10th March Uprising Day. Three Chineses who came as journalist took pictures but later on they were seen meeting with demonstrators and explanining that "Tibet has always been a part of China".A senior lady demonstrator shouted and protesed against this act of Chinese "journalist".

In St.Petersburg, a similar demonstration was held in front of Chinese Consulate. It was organised by the Friends of Tibet Society. The public meetings were organised by Friends of Tibet Societies in Tuva and Kalmyk Republics in Russian Federation in commemoration of the 37th anniversary of Tibetan people's uprising day.

In Kizil,the capital of Tuva in Siberia,more that 150 supporters gathered at Lenin Sq. and raised slogans in support of Tibet and its people.Later on they marched with banners to the Buddhist monastery where they concluded the commemoration by hoisting the Tibetan national flag on the roof of the monastery.

In Elista,the capital of Kalmyk Republic,the demonstration began with prayer by Tibetan monks serving there and the Chairperson of Friends of Tibet Society introduced the importance of the event and read His Holiness' 10th March Statement.It was followed by signature campaign in support of H.H. the Dalai Lama's recognition of the 11th Panchen Lama. The campaign started months ago and expected to get more that 150,000 signatures.

A peaceful demonstration was also organised by Radical Party in front of Chinese Embassy in Kyiv,despite restriction from Kyiv authorities. Ukraine and China maintain good diplomatic and trade relations. A week ago,a seminar on TIBET: PAST,PRESENT & FUTURE was organised in Kyiv but it was banned at the last hour by Ukraine government with pressure of Chinese Embassy there. The Tibetan national flags were hoisted in all cities where held demonstrations in support of Tibet freedom.

For further information, please contact:

TIBET CULTURE & INFORMATION CENTRE, MOSCOW

Tel: 7-095-2220805

Fax: 7-095-2292414

E-mail: Center@tibet.msk.ru