Published by: World Tibet Network News Monday - October 15, 1997

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 1997--Southern California Friends of Tibet groups Friday issued the following announcement:

Coinciding with the release of a new film from Sony Pictures called ``Seven Years in Tibet,'' Americans opposed to China's occupation of Tibet have organized a series of events and education activities to draw public attention to the plight of the Tibetan people who have been oppressed under Chinese military occupation for nearly 50 years.

The national awareness campaign, ``Seven Days for Tibet,'' is being organized in more than 100 cities in 34 states from Oct. 8 through 14.

Members of Los Angeles Friends of Tibet, Orange County Friends of Tibet, Pasadena Friends of Tibet, Students for a Free Tibet (UCLA) and the Tibetan Association of Southern California, Tibet Alliance, and Friends of Tibetan Women's Association will be handing out Action Kits to moviegoers at theaters in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Orange County, San Diego and Santa Barbara.

The highlight of the week-long activity will be a special candlelight vigil protesting repression in Tibet. The vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at the Mann Criterion Theater, 1313 Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. The vigil will include a prayer for Tibet in memory of the 1.2 million Tibetans who have lost their lives as a result of the Communist Chinese occupation.

``Millions of people are about to become more aware of the situation in Tibet, and we believe many people will want to do something about it,'' said Lodi Gyari, president of the International Campaign for Tibet. ``Our job is to turn awareness into practical support for the people of Tibet, who have maintained a valiant, nonviolent struggle against China's brutal rule. The Action Kits given to moviegoers will provide them with the information and resources they need to actually join in the struggle and make a difference.''

To find out more about ``Seven Days for Tibet'' activities in the Los Angeles area, please contact one of the following at Los Angeles Friends of Tibet:

Martin Wassell 310/315-4875

Tseten Phanucharas 310/829-8831

Tenzing Chonden 213/586-4292