The Tibet-Intergroup

TIBET YEAR 9 UNDER THE CHINESE BOOT

Tibet, all of Tibet, the region called “autonomous” as well as the historical Eastern border enclaves of Kham and the Amdo in the provinces of Gansu, Sichuan and Qinghai – is once again closed to foreigners until the end of March or April, despite peremptorily re-iterated official affirmations that calm reigns on the roof of the world. During the events of Spring 2008, an as a form of warning, heavy sentences were passed on 76 “agitators against public order”, including 9 monks from Samyé. Just before Losar and above all, before the fateful date of 10 March. A few prisoners in a pitiful state were released for fear they would die in prison. Tibetans in rural zones were forced to “participate” in the New Year’s festivities under the threat of being fined or victimized, although their heart was not in it. Without forgetting the decision, adding insult to injury, of instituting 28 March as a holiday to remember the “day of the liberation of serfs”. Photos were surreptitiously taken, proving the existence of a reinforced and heavily armed military presence in Labrang, in front of the Jokhang in Lhassa, and in other monasteries. There were hundreds of “preventive” arrests (nearly a thousand), warnings and explicit threats – if all this information does not illustrate the daily life of a country not “under control” (as says the official propaganda) but simply occupied, it is a sign that words, which name things, are singularly devalorized. One cannot say more.

And during this time, the United Nations Council for Human Rights, the famous PUE, intended to make a “Periodic Universal Examination”, proudly brandished as a panacea to all the wrongs that caused the discredited Commission for Human Rights to founder, is reviewing the Chinese dossier. An exercise so futile that the Human Rights Watch did not hesitate to call it a failure. Remember that the above-mentioned test is based on reports and documents prepared and provided by the government of the country in the hot seat. The “pairs” are the other members of the Council, that is to say the mandated representatives of member states of the honourable (?) institution. Other members and NGOs can ask questions and present their points of view, which are resumed by the functionaries of the Secretariat of the Council for Human Rights, intended for participants in the debate, of which the number is strictly limited, as well as time allotted for speaking.

Right away, it is apparent that the dice are loaded as far as the examination of the China dossier is concerned; there is no reference in the presentation of the dossier to precise questions from NGOs, while any remark judged (by whom?) as disagreeable from certain (too rare) governments has been removed. So well, that the habitual choir of various dictatorships and authoritarian regimes, now leading the dance at the Council, have all the time in the world to sing the praises of the Chinese regime, after having blissfully listened to the Beijing emissary spelling out the benefits of the regime and creating the happiness of the people and civilizing the “minorities”.

Not a treacherous word on Tibet or the Ouïghours, or imprisoned dissidents, or the unfortunate people deprived of free expression, or the obstinate who still dare to lift their heads; they do not exist. Move on, there’s nothing to see. The silence of democracies – or those that still exist – has become deafening.

And during this time, the Son of the Heaven – excuse me, the Communist Party – on service in Beijing, Hu Jintao in person (he who was called the “butcher of Lhassa” because of his policy of repression in Tibet at the end of the eighties) peacefully made an official tour in a few friendly countries. He started with Saudi Arabia (this other champion of Human Rights, above all those of women), and on the eve of his departure, the official Chinese spokesman hastened to specify that “this journey has had nothing to do with oil, it has been entirely a friendly visit”. That which goes without saying, goes better by saying it. All this did not stop the Chinese friend from signing a pretty contract (nearly three milliard dollars) with his friend the King, for the construction of a monorail in the holy town of Mecca, in order to make the journey of pilgrims easier…

So much for the Managing Director of Alsthom who at the beginning of the year complained about Chinese attempts to export “foreign technology”, contrary to contractual commitments signed with large consortiums, of which his company was a member. The rest of the African journey took place on red carpets in conquered countries, because of course, friendship dos not have a price… At the same time, good old Mr. Raffarin forced himself to coax and wheedle his hosts in Beijing in order to soothe definitively (?) the wounds of Chinese pride and to re-establish “cordial links” between the two countries. And waiting for the next faux pas of “badly informed” public opinion, or a foolhardy official that His Imperial Majesty in Beijing hurries to call to order?

During his recent brief journey in Europe – Rome, Venice and Baden-Baden – the Dalai Lama said, in replying to a question, that the situation was “tense” in Tibet and that trouble could ensue. Beijing reacted a quarter of a turn by accusing him of stirring up trouble, and creating disorder and insecurity. In order to justify the coercive measures announced, the prohibition of journalists going to verify facts on the spot, and an attempt to make people believe in a minutely orchestrated propaganda, without any proof?

A book entitled “We Saw Spain Die” has just been published in the United States. Sixty years of occupation, fifty years of exile and even passive resistance have ALL woven a solid canvas of Tibetan existence for many long years, with the target of the hope of a return put off for too long a time. More than ever, time is flying: endurance, hope and solidarity are necessary to get to the end of the road. So that no one can tomorrow put together a compilation with the title “We saw Tibet Die…”

Claude B. Levenson, February 2009

The Kashag Urges China to Withdraw the Undeclared Martial Law in Tibet

On 29 January the Kashag issued an appeal to Tibetans in Tibet not to engage in protests and to avoid any activity that will bring unnecessary imprisonment, detention and harm. In that appeal, the Kashag has also requested Tibetans in Tibet to avoid any clashes with the Chinese people.

Since then to our deep regret the situation in Tibet has deteriorated by the fact that the PRC authorities have deployed additional troops across the Tibetan plateau. The deployment of additional troops are significant and conspicuous in the Tibetan capital city Lhasa, Labrang Tashikhyil (Ch:Xiahe), Rebgong (Ch:Tongren), Lithang in Kham and in other parts of Tibet.

The PRC authorities' recent remarks that they "will wage a people's war" to crush any potential protest is especially inflammatory and is an incitement for ethnic tension.

The authorities' refusal to permit tourists to visit Tibet is a clear indication that the situation in Tibet is not stable, despite their claims to the contrary.

The Kashag strongly deplore the recent arbitrary arrest, detention and torture that has taken place in Dege, Zogang, Lithang, Nagchuka and other places, for the slightest peaceful expression of the aspirations or resentments of Tibetans.

The Kashag supports the right of every Tibetan in Tibet and elsewhere to not to celebrate the Tibetan New Year as a mark of respect for those Tibetans who sacrificed their lives in the 2008 protests to highlight the deplorable human rights situation in Tibet. At the same time, the Kashag would like to appeal to Tibetans in Tibet to do this with peace and dignity that conform to the values embedded in Tibetan culture.

The Kashag especially regrets the re-launching of the “Strike Hard” campaign, patriotic re-education and forcing Tibetans to celebrate Tibetan New Year. The Kashag is convinced that this show of military force by the PRC authorities and the accompanying Strike Hard campaign are acts of provocation. In view of this the Kashag once again ask the PRC authorities to call off the Strike Hard campaign and to withdraw the undeclared martial law imposed to suppress the Tibetans.

In view of the grave and urgent situation in Tibet the Kashag call upon the parliaments, governments, human rights organisations, Tibet Support Groups and concerned individuals around the world to actively intervene and persuade the PRC authorities to exercise restraint. The PRC authorities must be convinced that repression and military might will not resolve any problems and that tolerance and engagement are the only effective means to bring stability in Tibet.


The Kashag
21 February 2009

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Receives the German Media Prize

Baden Baden, Germany, 10 February 2009 (tibetoffice.ch) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama this evening received the German Media Prize in Baden Baden, Germany. 

“This Award from the media is of special significance,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “In democracy, freedom of press is essential to inform the public about the truth. The truth must been know”, he said.

On his arrival at the hotel, a traditional Tibetan welcome song and dance was presented to His Holiness by the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s dance group who were especial invited for the ceremony.

As the Tibetan national anthem was sung at the start of the German Media Prize ceremony, the Tibetan national flag was shown on large video screens on the stage. Guests wore Tibetan national flag pins on their jacket. 

During His Holiness’ address, he emphasized his three commitments – human value, religious harmony and the Tibetan issue. His Holiness spoke at length the importance of determination and compassion. On the issue of Tibet, he said that situation in Tibet was very tense. 

“The preservation of the Tibetan culture is important not only for the Tibetans but for millions of other Asian people. It is one of the important religions of the world,” he said.

Mr. Roland Koch, the Prime Minister of the German state of Hesse, in his eulogy said His Holiness the Dalai Lama was a special person in the world and history. His Holiness had managed to make people curious about the fate of Tibetans and the nonviolent self-determination of Tibet.

He said there are sharp shooters positioned in tall buildings and lots of security forces in uniform carrying machine guns in Lhasa. However, we don’t see any pictures because for the last 12 months, Tibet has been closed to the media and no pictures are being allowed out.

Mr. Koch a friend of the Tibetan leader for over 20 years is one of the senior politicians in German. He said, “What message will be given to the next generation, if we don’t support a peaceful struggle?”

A 20-member jury consisting of Germany's most important and influential media chief editors voted His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the 2008 Award. 

The award announcement said, "In a time of religious tension, self-destructive, addiction to profit and ongoing violations of human rights, the Dalai Lama actively advocates reconciliation, tolerance, humility and respect. He represents the non-violent struggle for the rights of the Tibetan people, a struggle he has been leading for over 50 years from exile in India." 

Tomorrow His Holiness will return to New Delhi, India.

TIBETAN NEW YEAR CELBRATIONS CANCELLED

Dharamshala: The Central Tibetan Administration announced on Saturday 7 February that only the customary religious programmes will held to mark the Tibetan New Year, taking into consideration of the continuing repression in Tibet and the ruthless crackdown last year which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Tibetans and thousands imprisoned.

The Kashag has appealed to all the concerned departments and offices of the administration not to organise any lavish and pompous celebrations such as hosting feasts, dance parties and lighting firecrackers.

Similarly, the Kashag also directs all the officials of the administration to refrain from taking part in such gatherings.

The direction has been given to all the staff working in Tibetan settlements, offices of Tibet, schools and healthcare centres. It is also being followed by various Tibet support groups throughout the world.

Last year in March, the Tibetan people across the traditional provinces of Tibet expressed their deep-seated resentment against the wrong policies of the Chinese government in Tibet. Subsequent brutal crackdown by the Chinese military left more than 219 Tibetans dead and 1294 injured. Around 5,600 people are still under arrest or detention and more than 1000 missing.

Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala, India. 7 February 2009

Tibet on Hillary Clinton's Agenda during China Visit: US State Department

Friday, 6 February 2009, 10:51 a.m.

Dharamshala: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will discuss the issue of Tibet and human rights during her visit to Beijing later this month, the State Department has said.

"The subjects of human rights and Tibet always come up in conversations with our Chinese counterparts, because human rights are a very important issue for the US. So I would suspect that those issues could very well come up," State Department spokesperson, Robert Wood, told reporters after announcing about Clinton's Asia trip.

In her first trip abroad since taking office, Secretary of State Clinton will visit Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and China from 16 to 22 February. Clinton will visit China from 20 - 22 February.

"In all capitals, the Secretary will be discussing common approaches to the challenges facing the international community, including the financial markets turmoil, humanitarian issues, security and climate change," Mr Wood said.

Referring to the recent statement of Clinton that relationship with China is important for the US; Wood said the State Department will have an important role in engaging China. So far it is the Treasury Department which has had the lead role in US-China relationship, he said.

"There are a number of humanitarian issues around the world that we're concerned about. And the Chinese are a major global player, and we want to see how we can partner with the Chinese to try and help resolve some of these horrible and horrific humanitarian situations we have – we're dealing with around the global," Wood said on human rights issues.

Clinton will meet senior Chinese officials to develop a positive cooperative relationship between the two countries, he said.

76th MEETING OF THE TIBET INTERGROUP

Wednesday, 4^th February 2009

Thomas Mann opened the meeting and introduced the new representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Brussels, Mr. Tashi Wangdi.

Mr.Tashi Wangdi expressed his great pleasure in being able to work with the European Parliament Tibet Intergroup, and was very grateful for its support. There were now four offices representing the Tibetan government in exile in Europe, namely London, Geneva, Paris and Brussels. The Brussels office used to depend on Paris but has now been upgraded.

Mr. Tashi Wangdi had formerly worked in the United States, where there was much support for the Tibet issue from the National political parties, and the US administration. It had been hoped that the Olympic Games would have enabled the Chinese government to be more politically open, more relaxed, and in that context, to negotiate a settlement concerning Tibet. But unfortunately since last March things have got worse and the situation is extremely tense in Tibet. Just recently there have been over 6000 arrests, houses raided at midnight, and confiscation of documents and other items. Possession of photos of and books on the Dalai Lama is regarded as a crime. People were rounded up and arrested.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has for the last twenty years has made concerted and continuous efforts to find a solution using his Middle Way approach. It has been made abundantly clear to the Chinese leadership. His Holiness has appealed to world leaders to start a debate and to reassure the Chinese government that he does not seek independence, indeed that his solution would be good for China. Just before a visit to China, George Bush had a meeting with the Dalai Lama, who said: “Please when you meet the Chinese government representatives, pleased tell them that I am not seeking independence, but a solution within Chinese laws for a real autonomy.” Unfortunately there had been no response from the Chinese government.

Last November, the Tibetan government in exile published a detailed outline of what they meant by autonomy, within the framework of the Chinese constitution, and the assurances given to them over the last 50 years. The document is referred to as the “Memorandum”. It was thought to be a basis for development. Unfortunately the Chinese government decided to arrange a Press Conference, during which they rejected the Memorandum, accused the Dalai Lama of having a hidden agenda, and called it a game plan for independence. It would have been proper for the Chinese side to discuss it. If there was disagreement, the matter should have been discussed and counter proposals put forward. As the Chinese went public, so did the Tibetan administration and the Memorandum was made available to the public. It has been translated into nine languages.

The main thrust of the Tibetan government in exile’s approach has been to protect ethnic identity, culture, language, etc – all provided for, in principle, in the Chinese Constitution. The reality is the opposite.

Since then, Chinese officials have been travelling to the United States and Europe explaining their side. But repression in Tibet has been getting worse and worse and the situation is volatile and explosive. It is impossible for Tibetans in Tibet to express their views, and the true situation is not being divulged. So all the Tibetans can do is to demonstrate, with negative results. There is a vicious circle of demonstrations and repression.

Just recently the Tibetan leadership made an approach to the Chinese government, requesting restraint, and appealing to people inside Tibet to avoid violent actions.

The Tibetan government in exile had grave concerns for the safety of the Tibetan people in Tibet, and the only hope in this dark period was for international support.

Mr. Tashi Wangdi referred to those who lived in Eastern Europe and had similar experiences. His Holiness the Dalai Lama had visited the former Czechoslovakia, and was the first international guest of President Havel. At that time he met many officials and shared experiences. If people are locked up, but hear of support from the free world, it keeps hope alive.

The support of the European Union was very important for the Tibetan administration, as for example Resolutions, public statements, and enlisting the support of the European Commission. The forthcoming Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing would also be extremely important, and would include the lack of response to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s proposals.

It was hoped that the Memorandum published by the Tibetan government-in-exile last November would be looked at very carefully by world leaders, and notice taken that the reflections therein do not undermine the sovereignty of China.

Mr. Tashi Wangdi said that he had brought this Memorandum to the attention of the President of the European Parliament, who had been kind enough to discuss the matter with him.

Mr. Marco Cappato said that the present legislation was coming to an end, but the 10 March, an important date in Tibetan history, would not go unnoticed; there would be a Hearing in the Foreign Affairs Committee and the date proposed was 31 March. The Chinese authorities have been invited but there is as yet no reply!

Gabriela said that she has ordered a quantity of small Tibetan flags, which could be put on tables and used in the Hemicycle on 10 March.