Published by: World Tibet Network News, Wednesday, July 10 1996

by Elizabeth Kurylo

staff writer

Source: the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Offering Atlanta an early taste of the international stage, a small group of Tibet supporters staged a peaceful protest Sunday against a Chinese cultural exhibit at the Civic Center.

Security officials apparently are ready: At one point the protesters were nearly outnumbered by GBI aents who were concerned that the group didn't have a permit to protest.

"Most protesters have had permits," said Ted Jackson of the GBI. "We're just checking to make sure they are in compliance with city rules."

After an hour of waiting, the six GBI agnts left with the warning that if any trouble occurred, "we'll have to shut you down."

During the Olympics, demonstrations will be restricted to seven, "First Amendment sites" near venues. Protest organizers must fill out applications at City Hall to receive a permit.

No protests or demonstrations will be allowed inside venues.

Sunday's protest had no impact on the Chinese exhibit, call '96 china Expo. The cultural and trade show closed Sunday.

China, which forciby annexed Tibet in 1950, has been accused of commiting severe violations of human rights as it tries to suppress Tibetan nationalism.

Expo workers laughed when asked how they felt about the demonstraion. "Tibet is none of America's business. It's China's business," said XIAO Feng of the '96 China Expo."