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Vol. 01, Issue 46, 30 July 2011 Katri to Take Oath in August

I n t e r n a t i o n a l B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

Bi-Monthly

Distortions..

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Obama Meets His Holiness: Fruitful Dialogue on Tibet Needed

By Tibetan Administration official media: Tibet Net

The newly elected Tibetan leader, Dr. Lobsang Sangay speaking during a panel discussion in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Elected Tibetan political leader, Kalontripa of Central Tibetan Administration, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, will take oath of office on August 8 at the main Tibetan temple in the Himalayan town of MecLeod Ganj, an official Continues on Page 8...

Online Press Conference

Dharamshala: US President Barack Obama received the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the White House on Saturday, and "encourages direct dialogue to resolve longstanding differences and that a dialogue that produces positive results for China and Tibetans".

The White House issued a statement following the 45 minutes meeting between President Obama and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

"The President reiterated his strong support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of Tibet and the Tibetan people throughout the world," the statement noted.

"He underscored the importance of the protection of human rights of Tibetans in China."

"The President commended the Dalai Lama's commitment to nonviolence and dialogue with China and his pursuit of the "Middle Way" approach. Reiterating the U.S. policy that Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China and the United States does not support independence for Tibet, the President stressed that he encourages direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences and that a dialogue that produces results would be positive for China and Tibetans.

"The Dalai Lama stated that he is not seeking independence for Tibet and hopes that dialogue

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with President Barack Obama during their meeting in the Map Room of the White House in Washington DC on July 16, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

between his representatives and the Chinese government can soon resume," the statement noted.

On his return to the hotel after the meeting, His Holiness gave a brief reaction to some media personnel waiting there. His Holiness said that President Obama showed concern about basic human values, human rights and freedom. Naturally,

His Holiness added, he showed genuine concern about suffering in Tibet and also other places. It was wonderful, he added.

Special Envoy Kasur Lodi Gyari, Representative Kasur Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, and Secretary Tenzin N. Taklha accompanied His Holiness to the White House.

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharmashala: - In what is believed to be the first press conference using the video-chat program Google +, Tibet supporters from the International Tibet Network, Tibetan Women's Association, and Students for a Free Tibet came together on July 15 to discuss the current situation in Tibet.

The press conference addressed the closing of central Tibet (Ch: Tibet Autonomous Region) to foreign tourists to mark the 60th Anniversary of the 17 Point Agreement as well as recent crackdowns on Tibetan protesters.

CCP Warns Buddhist Monks and Nuns

His Holiness' Portrait Enthroned at Monastic Ceremony in Tibet

Continues on Page 6...

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Taiwanese Show Support for Tibet

Dharamshala: - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, the second highest communist leader of the one party regime, is currently on a tour of Tibet. He visited Kongpo Nyintri region, and praised CCP's efforts in advancing the area's development and maintaining long-term social stability. Tibetans and See on Page 9...

Walk for Tibet in Australia

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Taiwan Friends of Tibet, a group of Taiwanese university students, is in Dharamshala for two weeks to learn more about Tibetan culture and issues. The group is made up of 18 students from two different universities, two teachers, and one leader. The Tibet Post International on Friday spoke with the visiting delegation at the office of the India chapter of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT).

The group arrived on July 14, and their first week was spent visiting Tibetan Parliament in exile, Tibetan Administration bodies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), monasteries, and schools. Some of these include the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA), the Continues on Page 4....

The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's Portrait Enthroned at the Lithang Monastery in eastern Tibet during a 10-day religious ceremony being held from 15th July 2011. Photo: TPI

By Tammy Winand, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - A Buddhist prayer festival, the 10-day Jang Gonchoe Chenmo, the fourth in a series of annual regional meetings, took place at Kham Lithang Gonchen Monastery (Lithang, Kham, Eastern Tibet) Tibet beginning 15 July.

More than 5000 participants came from across the Kham region.

Chinese authorities had at first attempted to limit the number of those attending to 1000, but finally declined to interfere, though security forces reportedly remained camped nearby throughout the event.

At the ceremonies, Tibetans violated Chinese government orders and publicly enthroned a portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with full religious ceremonial gaiety.

Organisers of the religious gathering had told local Chinese officials in advance of their plans to enthrone the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, stating that the organisers would not be responsible for the actions of the assembled people in the event of the religious procession being obstructed.

Continues on Page 5.......

Tibetans and supporters beginning walks for Tibet in Australia on 24th July 2011. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Sydney, AU: - Today (24th July), Tibetans, Tibet supporters and local Vietnamese in Australia hold the "Walk for Tibet" campaign in memory of Jigme Norbu, nephew of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, died in his participating in a "Walk For Tibet" event Continues on Page 10 .....

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30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI INTERVIEWS AND RECAP

Gender Roles of Tibetan Society Challenged on a Daily Basis Article by Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post Dharamshala: - As Tibetan women in exile are rapidly catching up with their male counterparts, traditional gender roles of Tibetan society are being challenged on an every-day basis. As Member of the Tibetan Parliament in exile and a Tibetan Women's Association executive, Tenzin Dhardon Sharling stands in a unique position to comment on this change. The TPI recently met with her for a talk about the current state of affairs in Tibetan gender issues, as seen from her respective chairs in Tibetan society.

The determined and ongoing democratization of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), free access to education and the global nature of the Tibetan disapora's settlements, are all factors working to make genderinequality between Tibetans a thing of the past. Politics, administration and other predominantly male domains now include women in their ranks and Tibetan women often match their husbands' pay checks, not to mention university diplomas.

In the foreground of this development stands the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA). Founded in 1959, in a time of great oppression, the TWA's main goal was justice for all Tibetans, and the need of the hour was for the women to be able to fight with their men against the Chinese communists.

As Tibetan refugees started escaping into India and establishing new settlements, the TWA essentially relocated and became a vehicle for Tibetan culture in general, as well as a human rights advocate for the women in Tibet and a social welfare organisation for those in exile.

Now, more than half a century later, the TWA's sustained efforts to empower and encourage Tibetan women has become a solid platform for them to make the leap from housewife to professional.

28-year-old Tenzin Dhardon Sharling in many ways embodies the achievements of the TWA. As elected member of parliament and an executive member of the TWA, she plays a key role in Tibetan politics while paving the way for other women simply through the example of her high-ranking position.

The following is a select transcript from a recent interview with Tenzin Dhardon Sharling (TDS) by the Tibet Post International (TPI): TPI: As one can see on the website, the TWA undertakes a broad range of activities, spanning from religion to political affairs. Which would you say is the most integral area for the TWA's work?

TDS: Well, if you read our mission statement, we say that this association is committed to represent our sisters inside Tibet who do not have a voice for themselves. That is why our primary goal is to advocate the right of women inside Tibet, and also alongside engage in the parliament actions in exile. It is practical as parliament action inside Tibet is not possible now.

Then alongside comes cultural preservation, religious preservation, then health-care and education, all that comes very naturally.

TPI: At the Tibet Post International, we often receive news of Tibetan women in Tibet participating in the struggle

Ms. Dadon Sharling, a researcher of TWA in Dharamshala, India. Photo: File

against China's communists. Is it your impression that inside Tibet the women are as involved in the struggle for a free Tibet as the men are?

TDS: Yes. But I think before 1959 I would say no because it was a male dominated society, but I think the circumstances were so grave that it kind of naturally called for the women to participate, and since 1959, the upsurge of women's presence in the struggle has been predominant and it has been very successful, I must say, not just in Tibet.

Even in exile you see now women are leading the struggle and efforts.

A lot of role models are doing very well, but inside Tibet, also since 1959, women did not take the back-seat and did not give up, even today. At the 2008 protest you saw equal participation by women and by nuns, I think it all stems from the fact that women are taking the responsibility, they are not shirking saying "I have to look after the family, I have other things to do".

I think the struggle and the cause is of primary importance to them and they are willing to shoulder the responsibility and I think you will be surprised to see that they have equal participation, but back home you also see that women are doing much more than men in the house. It's equal outside the house, but in the house women are doing more.

TPI: So in Tibet you are saying that women are doing most of the household work. Is that indicative of less equality between genders inside Tibet as opposed to in exile?

TDS: What I would see as gender inequality is when that kind of work is imposed on women, wherein in our case it is not. Again, our religion, our culture really influences us to an extent. For instance, if my mother and my father, both of them are equally capable, and if both of them are just sitting idle and then someone knocks the door and says "can I have a cup of tea?", then it is always going to be my mother who is going to get up and take a flask and offer the tea.

Not that my father instructed her to do that but I think it is part of our culture, it is out of respect for your partner or respect for your family that you are willing to take the punch, you are willing to make the first move.

What really scares me is if this becomes a norm, and there are times when people take it for granted. For instance if you

go to a meeting you will see that the women are serving tea and men are using the camera and setting up computers. It's not like women are not capable it's just that women they voluntarily put themselves into that category.

So that's why we do this gender sensitization trainings where we tell the men it is okay for you to serve tea and tell women it's okay for you to take the camera.

So I wouldn't say there is inequality as such but there is a difference and I think it is important for us to study what are the causes for these differences, the basic mentality, and that needs to be amended. Change is very imminent, in the last five years things have changed, women are doing things that predecessors didn't do.

Even the Central Tibetan Administration they have sensed this importance and in 2008 they formulated the 8 point policy towards women's empowerment and as a consequence they set up the women's empowerment desk, they have a coordinator who travels across Nepal, India and Bhutan and gives empowerment trainings, I think a little bit of sensitization training for men is important.

But compared to the worst case scenarios, even like India, the Tibetan society is very fortunate, especially the women, and today, sometimes men feel discriminated because there are a lot of things that are exclusively for women and not for men. I think a few years down the line, if this trend is continued women will really excel and even surpass the men.

TPI: Do you feel that there is a greater freedom for Tibetan women in exile compared to in Tibet, notwithstanding the Chinese occupation?

TDS: In exile! Primarily because we live in a free world and because we have all got education which women in Tibet are deprived of. Even if you go to Tibet today you still see women milking cows, taking care of the household chores, engaged in looking after the family, wherein here you see women working, making decisions and being upfront about everything, and, notwithstanding the Chinese occupation, I think the Tibetan women in exile are doing much much better.

TPI: Tibetan men have often described for me that there is no need for gender equality advocacy among Tibetans, because, as they say, the Tibetan women are already highly respected and an integral part of society. They tell me, however, that Tibetan women are naturally very shy and that all it takes is for them to stand up for themselves and grab the opportunities already available to them. How does that sound to you?

TDS: I would agree, but the question is why they are not able to stand? Then it is going to be because of the apathy of some men, you know, who are very indifferent. When a woman stands up on the stage or when she does something different they kind of look down on her.

If a woman is getting elected to a higher post, they will be like "oh she is a woman she will not be able to travel alone". They decide for us, it's been the trend, they have been holding the main key, and not given it to us. That's why I will say, "yes, there isn't any gender Continues on Page 7...

The Tibet Post

Information Secretary Thupten Samphel: White Paper Full of Distortions

Miss. Colleen McKown, staff writer from The Tibet Post International with Mr. Thupten Samphel, the secretary of the DIIR, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala, India on 26th July 2011. Photo: TPI

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: China recently issued a White Paper entitled ‘Fifty Years of Democratic Reform in Tibet.' The White Paper is China's assessment of the historical relationship between Tibet and China and of the changes that have taken place in Tibet under China's rule.

Among China's claims are that Tibet is historically a part of China and that Chinese rule has benefited the Tibetan people in countless ways. The Tibet Post International sat down with the Information Secretary of the Tibetan Central Administration, Thupten Samphel, to discuss the claims made by China in the White Paper.

"A distortion of history" China's White Paper begins by stating that China has had a claim on Tibet since the 13th century. "This is a distortion of history," asserted Samphel, who said that at that time, Tibet was a part of the Monghol Empire.

When Genghis Khan came to Tibet, Tibet was a divided country where Buddhist masters held high prestige. At this time Tibet decided to become part of the Monghol Empire, thereby avoiding the destruction wrought by the Monghols elsewhere and enjoying its own autonomous internal administration. Tibet was part of the Monghol Empire long before China was.

Therefore, Samphel asserted, "By this origin, Mongolia has more of a claim to Tibet than China."

Regarding the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, the White Paper claims that the Chinese government sent delegates to Beijing to negotiate "the peaceful liberation of Tibet." At this time, according to China, Tibetans put up an armed resistance with the help of foreign forces. Samphel said that although Tibet did appeal for the help of India, the United States, Britain, and Nepal, none of these countries came to Tibet's assistance.

"Tibet was compelled to deal with China alone and on China's terms," he said, claiming that China's 17-Point Agreement was, from the Tibetan viewpoint, "signed under duress because it was a document signed by two unequal partners." The Chinese government had given gave the Tibetans two choices: sign the document or face force and violence.

After the signing of the 17-Point Agreement, Samphel said that the Tibetan people made a sincere attempt to abide by the government and deal peacefully with China. "All of the

promises made by the Chinese communist party were broken one by one. This angered the Tibetan people, so resistance spread."

"Statements do not conform to reality" As for the situation in Tibet today, Samphel also disputed many of the claims China makes in the White Paper.

The White Paper claims that "the fruits of [the Tibetans'] labor belong all to themselves."

"What's happening in Tibet is undoubted economic improvement," he said. "But the fruits of their labor are all taken away by the Chinese workers."

He said the reforms in Tibet unsettle the Tibetan people because they are imposed upon them, and do not conform to the Tibetan people's basic desires and aspirations. "They're Sinicizing Tibetan culture. When Tibetans walk down the streets of Lhasa, they think they're in another Chinatown. They cannot identify the modern transformation with the ancient, sacred city of their ancestors."

Tibetan resources, he said, are being used and taken by China, and labor is moved in from congested Chinese cities in order to balance demographics in China. He expressed agreement with the words of the late Panchen Lama in 1989, that Tibet has lost more than it has gained from China.

He said that China's claim that it is concerned about the ecological preservation of Tibet contradicts actions in China. In 1998, the felling of trees in northern Tibet caused many people to lose their lives and their property. In China itself, plans are being discussed to divert the Mekong River upstream to supply water to people in northern China. More than eleven countries south of China would be vastly affected by this move.

"The focus is on development, profit, at all costs. No one bothers to thin about the environmental cost of China's really amazing economic development," Samphel said.

The White Paper also states that respect for religious belief and practice is a Chinese government policy. He said that while religious practice does occur in Tibet, many Buddhists are actually coming to Indian refugee settlements to study. "Buddhism is not just about reciting mantras and chanting prayers.

It involves a thorough, endless investigation of the basic teachings of the Buddha."

Continues on Page 10...

TPI H.H THE DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post

His Holiness Sends Condolences to Norway Over the Violence

His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo: file

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: The spiritual leader of Tibet and Nobel Peace Laureate, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on Saturday (23rd July) expressed his deep condolences to those affected by the Violence in Norway. More than 90 people have been killed following twin attacks in Norway, first in the heart of Oslo and the second one at a youth camp on a nearby island.

In a letter sent to the Prime Minister of Norway, 'H.E. Jens Stoltenberg on 23 July 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness and shock on learning of the tragedy that has befallen Norway with a bomb blast in the centre of Oslo as well as the shooting incident at the youth camp, resulting in the loss of so many lives.'

His Holiness conveyed 'his prayers and condolences for those who had lost

their lives and to the members of the bereaved families as well as those affected by these dastardly acts of senseless violence.'

He expressed 'his condolences and sense of solidarity with the Prime Minister and the people of Norway with whom the Tibetans have a special and close connection. However, His Holiness stated that the people of Norway are resilient and therefore was confident that they would slowly overcome this tragedy and look forward.'

According to news reports, more than seven people were killed in at least one blast in the heart of Oslo. Late Friday, Another tragedy news reported that at least 84 people were killed during a separate shooting attack on a youth camp just outside the capital.

At least seven people were killed in the bombing and scores more are known to have died at the camp for young members of the Labour Party in Utoeya, an island outside the capital. Police have charged a 32-year-old Norwegian man, Anders Behring Breivik, over both attacks.

Norway's Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said Saturday the "brutal" attack on "innocent youths" would not take away Norwegians' feeling of safety.

He said safety was a pillar of society that Norwegians had taken for granted, and he stressed that the main focus is on saving the lives of those hurt in the attacks.

30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

USAID to Support Tibetan Community with $2 Million

President Obama's emissary, Valerie Jarrett (ctr) and US State Department Under Secretary Maria Otero (rt) talking to HHDL. (www.dalailama.com)

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: An Obama administration official has said that the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) India Mission will give $2 million to Tibetan settlements abroad.

According to the Economic Times, Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Mario Otero has said that the money will be part of a two-

His Holiness Highlights Importance of Interfaith Dialogue

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks with Rabbi Michael Lerner, activist and editor of Tikkun magazine, and Ingrid Mattson, former president of The Islamic Society of North America, at the conclusion of Monday's event at the Harris Theatre in Chicago on July 19, 2011. Photo: Josè M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

By Official Website of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Chicago, Illinois, 18 July 2011 - On his last day of this two-city current tour of the United States, on July 18, 2011 morning, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama participated in a dialogue with interfaith leaders in a session entitled, Building Bridges: Religious Leaders In Conversation With The Dalai Lama.

Hosted by the Theosophical Society and held at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago, it was attended by a sold-out crowd of 1500 people.

Theosophical Society President Tim Boyd introduced His Holiness to the audience. He recalled the visit of His Holiness to the headquarters of the Theosophical Society in America,

located in Wheaton, Illinois, in 1981. He said His Holiness had given a talk at a local school then but not many students knew who he was. Since then things have changed greatly, Mr. Boyd said adding that His Holiness has now become one of the most recognized and the most respected persons in the world. Mr. Boyd said that His Holiness's continued call for adherence to the universal qualities to bring change to human hearts and minds have made him one of the greatest teachers in the world.

Thereafter, Mr. Eboo Patel, the founder and executive director of the Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based international nonprofit that aims to promote interfaith cooperation,

moderated a brief session with His Holiness alone before inviting the other panelists. Mr. Patel called His Holiness as probably being the world's leading example of religious tolerance.

A short documentary on the artwork created by religious organizations about their perception of other religions was screened.

Mr. Patel then said that he would be asking His Holiness some questions, which have been compiled through different channels from different individuals. In his first question, Mr. Patel asked His Holiness the reasons that led to him adopting religious harmony as one of his commitments, in addition to the promotion of human values and resolving the Tibetan problem.

His Holiness responded that if we use common sense then it would be clear why he was stressing on the need for religious harmony. He said every day we hear news about violence, some of which are related to different religions.

Having a feeling of sadness for a short moment in such situations was not the right approach. He said that while praying for the wellbeing of all sentient beings may be seen as unrealistic there was the need for considering the wellbeing of the nearly seven billion human beings on this planet. He added that there was the possibility of all people co-existing in harmony.

His Holiness referred to the harmony among different religious practitioners in India as an example. He talked about how Muslims in Bodh Gaya have friendly relationship with the Buddhists there despite the historical fact that they are descendants of people who may have been involved in the destruction of Buddhist institutions in the past. He

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made the case for the need of the existence of the different religious traditions to fit the different mental dispositions of the people. He talked about the projection of the entire Islamic community negatively in the wake of the September 11 incident and how he had come to defend Islam.

His Holiness stressed on the need for religious communities to be more involved with society. He praised the Christian community for their involved in the health and education sectors. He also said that Buddhist monks in Thailand and Burma were active in ecological preservation.

In response to a question on how the young interfaith leaders, who are humanists, should play their role, His Holiness talked about his commitment to promote basic human values through secular moral ethics. He said we could all work to cultivate warm-heartedness, which builds trusts, which in turn builds friendship. Saying that his concept of promotion of moral ethics was not based on religion, he said this makes it possible to easily introduce it in the education system. If moral ethics is to be based on religious faith, His Holiness said that it couldn't become universal.

Thereafter, Mr. Patel invited the other panelists to the stage. They were Rabbi Michael Lerner, founding editor of the progressive Jewish interfaith magazine Tikkun, which is dedicated to building bridges between religious and secular organizations; Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Hartford Seminary Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations; and Rev. Peg Chemberlin, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches.

Discussions touched on their personal experience at interfaith initiatives and

year program to support Tibetan settlements in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Organic agriculture and vocational training will be part of this new program, which, according to Otero, will "encourage youth to remain in the settlements, strengthen community ties, and preserve cultural and linguistic traditions."

A spokesperson for the Obama Administration said that the US will continue its longtime support for NGO's that work with Tibetans both inside and outside of Tibet. The State Department and USAID support cultural preservation, sustainable development and environmental preservation among Tibetan communities.

"USAID anticipates the program will result in increased economic opportunities," said Otero. the challenges they have faced. Dr. Mattson said how she was inspired by His Holiness' outreach to scientists to have a new perspective in her ethical research in schools. Rabbi Lerner said how the Buddhist concept of letting go attachments enabled him to strengthen his own faith. They also talked about how interfaith dialogue could be promoted in today's world.

Mr. Patel in his concluding remark expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for his interfaith initiatives. He said that His Holiness could have chosen to live in the bubble of his Tibetan Buddhism but he chose to learn about the best of all religions. He thanked His Holiness for setting an example.

In his concluding remarks, His Holiness said that he was not saying anything new but only being a messenger of the ancient Indian teachings. He thanked his co-panelists for their work, including one of them for highlighting women's rights.

TV Journalist Bill Curtis was the MC for this session. His Holiness then had lunch with the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. and some guests who had attended the dialogue.

In the afternoon, His Holiness addressed around 300 members of the Theosophical Society. He told them about his appreciation of the Society's mission. He then answered some questions before departing to the airport to begin his return journey to India.

During this tour His Holiness arrived in Washington, D.C. on July 5 and spent 13 days in Washington, D.C. and Chicago.

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30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI INTERNATIONAL

Tibetan Film 'Passport Photos' Internationally Recognized

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: 'Passport Photos,' a Tibetan documentary film, received official selection in eight international film festivals. The 15-minute film is comprised of conversations with young, urban Tibetans who all share the name "Tenzin." These Tibetans discuss their lives and dreams as exiles who have lived their entire lives as refugees.

The name "Tenzin" is significant, because, as the film explains, a generation of Tibetans have been

given the name "Tenzin" by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The film, produced by Black Coffee Productions and Think Tibet Productions, was first shown at the IBN Arabi Film Festival in Murcia, Spain in January 2011. Receiving positive reviews, the film was subsequently screened at seven other 2011 international film festivals in Laos, Canada, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Itlay, and Australia.

The film was directed by Preetam Koilpillai and produced by Venkatesh Narayanaswamy. The Associate Producers were Jangchup Lingpa, Lobsang Thardoe, and Aravinda Anantharaman, and the camera, editing, and music were by Preetam Koilpillai.

If you are interested in viewing the film, please contact info@thinktibet.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , jl@thinktibet.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text31722 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n

Taiwanese Students Show Their Support for Tibet ........Continues from front Page refugee reception center, and the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC).

During the second week, the students will divide into groups of two or three to do projects related to their personal interests.

"Dharamshala is the reality of Tibetan people and Tibetan culture," said student Ben Chai-Hsun Tsai.

"Someone may think corruption in Tibet is the problem of the Chinese communist party. As a Taiwanese, this is not my thought." He spoke about the sensitive situation between China and Taiwan and expressed his desire for the Tibetan people and the Taiwanese people to work together.

Pai Chao-Mez said she had a Tibetan school friend with whom she had spoken to about the situation in Tibet several times. Her family is also Buddhist, so they had discussed Tibetan issues as well. Many of the students had also studied Chinese history, read books about Tibet, and participated in street protests for Tibet, so they wanted to come to Dharamshala to learn more.

Yin wen-hui, the group's leader, said that many of the students have expressed interest in continuing their work for Tibet back in Taiwan through books and journalistic media by, for example, translating accounts of Tibetan prisoners into Chinese.

This coming week, the students begin working on projects with the Tibetan community in Dharamshala. One project compares two Tibetan writers, one a political prisoner who escaped to India; the other an Indian-born

Tibetan. Another involves Tibetan food and how the food reflects the culture.

A third group will compare Tibetan dancing and music in Dharamshala to the dancing and music in Tibet, looking at how Indian culture has influenced these art forms. Another will study the divide between the young generation and the more traditional older generations, looking at ways the Tibetan community here can keep their traditional culture alive.

A final group will look at political and social issues as well as culture and life-stories.

The students expressed strong support for Tibet. Students had various opinions regarding Tibetan freedom; some supported a fully independent Tibet and some supported the Middle Way Approach advocated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration.

Common sentiments among the group, though, were that Tibetan people should have the freedom to choose how they wanted to be governed and to retain their culture, religion, and rights. They also emphasized the importance of peace and respect. "I support free Tibet, but both ways are okay if Tibet can save their culture and their rights," said Pai Chao-Mez. Ben Chai-Hsun Tsai expressed the opinion that China's concern is the land and the resources in Tibet; and that they therefore would not support the Middle Way Approach because it

The Tibet Post

Canada to Welcome 1000 Tibetan Refugees from India

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The Canada Tibet Committee has announced that over the next five years the government of Canada will accept 1,000 Tibetan refugees from Arunachal Pradesh, India. In 2007, His Holiness the Dalai Lama asked Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to send these refugees to Canada, and on December 18, 2010, Canada announced that it was prepared to make that request a reality.

The Tibet Post International recently spoke with Dermod Travis, the Executive Director of the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC), about developments with this project.

Since October 2007, the CTC has worked very closely with the government of Canada and with Tibetan-Canadians and their cultural associations. Countless meetings with Canadian government officials, the Indian government, and the Central Tibetan Administration have taken place over the past four years. "We want to see the project succeed. It's about those individuals to have an opportunity for new life," said Travis.

Qualifications At the request of His Holiness, these 1000 Tibetans will all come from the Indian state of Arunachal. Those eligible must have been living in Arunachal Pradesh before December 18, 2010, and they must have continued living there since. They will also all be "displaced" Tibetans, meaning they came to India from Tibet during their lifetime. In an effort to keep families together, exceptions will be made for children born in India whose parents are displaced. Applicants will also need to be able to clear background checks. Travis stressed that this process would be "transparent" and that applicants absolutely must meet this criteria to be eligible.

The 1000 immigrants will come over the

stipulates that the Tibetan people have the right to that land and to the natural resources.

"The Chinese government thinks they are helping Tibetans, but China gets more and more, and gives less and less," he said.

Chen Si-Yu said that development by the Chinese government isn't necessarily good for the Tibetan people. While they throw money into Tibet, she said, many Tibetan people are still in need.

The group encouraged the Tibetan people to keep hope, reminding them that they have supporters around the world and encouraging them to understand their heritage. Liang PeiYu encouraged students to "learn more about Tibet and fight for Tibet's future."

"No matter where you've been, don't forget your language, religion, history, and value system. And when you are fighting for free Tibet, don't forget to maintain peace inside," said Chu EnCheng.

"Keep learning who you are, what Tibet is. Don't be afraid, don't give up. Your Taiwanese friends will always be with you," said Yu WenHui.

The audience was organized in part by the Canada Tibet Committee and Mr. Reid was accompanied by Canada Tibet Committee member Ryszard Cimek. Photo: CTC/file

course of 5 years; the CTC is looking at 100-300 a year. The first group will come in 2012. Travis anticipates the group will be a mix of single individuals over 23 and families at various stages.

If there are more than 1000 applicants, a lottery system will be used to ensure fairness.

According to Travis, the Tibetan settlement in Arunachal Pradesh is extremely remote and poverty-stricken, which is why His Holiness chose Tibetans from this area for the resettlement project. Because they don't have the infrastructure in place there, children in Arunachal Pradesh typically come to Dharamshala for basic education. The families are so poor they rarely see their children on holidays. "The reality for some of these families is that they will see each other for the first time in years when they arrive at Delhi airport [to travel to Canada]," said Travis.

Tibetan response The Tibetan community in Arunachal has responded to the resettlement project with overwhelming interest.

During the Canada Tibet Committee's visit to two settlements in Arunachal Pradesh earlier this year, in one settlement 400 people came out; in the other, 300 people. "Virtually one person from each family came out," said Travis.

Travis urged interested Tibetans to truly look into what a move to Canada would mean for them and their families.

"One of the messages we wanted to convey is that you know Canada from television, but that's not really Canada.

Do your research. Make sure this is the right decision for you."

Those Tibetans eligible for and interested in this project are encouraged to start the process of obtaining an identity certificate in India. If they are given permanent residency in Canada, which is possible after they live there for three years, the certificate will enable them to come back to India to visit. If they do not have the certificate, they may be denied this opportunity.

New life in Canada The CTC is working to ensure that every Tibetan who immigrates to Canada will be sponsored. Through the CTC's "Group of Five" program, each refugee will have the support of five or more Canadian individuals. The Groups of Five will help support the refugees financially and in finding work and

housing. The groups will also help the refugees adjust to their inevitable culture shock, working with them on their English and French and helping them find schools for their children.

The CTC hopes to match the Tibetan immigrants with jobs they already have the skills for. Agriculture, handicraft, service industry, and health care have been identified as potential areas of good matches between Tibetan skills and Canadian need.

Several larger groups, such as churches and synagogues, have expressed interest in forming Groups of Five. With potentially hundreds of people in a congregation, individuals with such a group would "feel like they had an incredible support system behind them," said Travis.

Travis hopes that a mix of individuals will participate in the Groups of Five program, and that among these will be some who have been part of a Group of Five in the past as well as some Tibetan-Canadians who have been through the immigration experience.

"No one is going to be abandoned in this process," Travis assured.

The CTC is committed to helping the Tibetan refugees keep their culture and language alive in their new life in Canada. The existing Tibetan community is already doing well with this, as many Tibetan cultural associations are thriving there. With the new refugees, there will be "sufficient numbers to do some dynamic things," said Travis.

Canadians interested in applying to be part of a Group of Five can do so this coming September, when the forms become available.

History of Tibetan refugees in Canada The Tibetan community in Canada already numbers around 5,000, and is primarily located in Ontario. In 1967 His Holiness began appealing for the international community to accept refugees, and in 1971 Canada fulfilled that request by resettling 228 refugees.

The resettlement was largely successful; within three years all were employed and self-sufficient. The government paid $558,000 to help out with food, shelter, clothing, and transportation, well below what they had budgeted.

Travis anticipates that this program will proceed in a similar manner. "A few years down the road we can look at 1,000 Tibetans who are full contributors to Canadian society."

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Suffering Brain Damage, Prisoner Wangchuck Released

30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

China Sentences a Tibetan Monk to 3-Years in Prison

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Protesters demonstrate in Machu (Chinese: Maqu) county town in Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu (Amdo). As many as 19 deaths have been reported as a result of the police crackdown on the protesters.

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: Political prisoner Wangchuck has just been released after serving a three-year sentence in Tibet, according to information from Kunsang Tenzin, a Tibetan living in South India.

Wangchuck's fellow prisoner Woser, arrested for the same crime, has not been released.

The Tibet Post International has learnt that both men were arrested on 2 August 2008 for planning to demonstrate at Kubom Monastery with a Tibetan flag.

Seven others were preparing to demonstrate with them.

Chinese authorities found out about the plan, so the demonstration was never carried out and the Tibetan flag was removed. All nine men were detained, tortured, and interrogated.

Wangchuck and Woser accepted full

responsibility for organizing the demonstrations; therefore, the other seven men were released. Wangchuck and Woser were sentenced to three years in prison each on the charge of "seperatist activities."

On 8 June 2011, Wangchuck, at 30 years old, was released in very poor health. He had suffered some brain damage, and his family was therefore quite worried for his life. Though Woser's three-year sentence is completed, he has not been released from prison. His family still has no idea as to his whereabouts.

His arrest in 2008 was not the first time he had faced the Chinese authorities-Woser, along with his wife and their child, had attempted an escape to India in 1997.

The authorities, however, found out about his plot, detained him in Lhasa, and forced him to return home.

..........Monastic Ceremony in Tibet A member of the Chitue (Tibetan Parliament in Exile), Mr. Atruk Tseten, told The Tibet Post that it was an extremely joyous and emotional moment for the Tibetans as they lined up in front of the throne to offer khataks (Tibetan prayer scarves).

"Many people told me that for the first time in their lives they felt as if they really could see His Holiness the Dalai Lama in person and seek his blessings", Mr. Tseten said.

Buddhist monks from the host

all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Yungdrung Bon from eastern Tibet participated in the yearly congregation.

The organizers defied official orders and sent an invitation to Ngaba Kirti Monastery (Amdo), which has been under Chinese government crackdown since March of this year.

Along with religious discussions, participants heard speeches related to social and cultural issues, including the importance of preserving the Tibetan language and the unity of Tibetans

Thousands of monks gathering at Lithang Gonchen monastery, eastern Tibet.

Photo: TPI

Thousands of lay-people gathering at Lithang Gonchen monastery, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

monastery were assigned to different duties, including security, festival finances, and to enforce that attendees followed the rules of the cermeony related to Tibetan culture and language.

Participants were told to speak only in Tibetan and to wear traditional Tibetan clothing. Local authorizes were allowed to attend providing they followed the same guidelines.

Organizers discouraged civilian officials in the Lithang county seat from entering the monastery grounds, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We will be doing some things you won't like,' Atruk Tseten said.

Around 100 monasteries representing

living in Tibet's traditional three provinces of U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo-all now ruled by China.

"This had a great impact on the younger Tibetans attending, and helped to uphold their identity as Tibetans," Atruk Tseten said, citing information gathered from local officials and participants in the meeting.

The festival concluded on 25 July. There were no reports of any incidents of confrontation between local authorizes and attendants.

For more details on recent pictures of religious festival at the Lithang Monastery, please visit this link.

5

Dharamshala: - A young Tibetan monk from the Kirti Monastery, Ngaba region of eastern Tibet has been sentenced to three years in jail after tensions run deep at the monastery from April this year, where many Tibetan monks and local Tibetans accuse the Chinese government of trying to threaten their traditional way of life, and taking strong measures to dilute expressions of the religious, linguistic and cultural identity of the Tibetan people.

According to a Tibet source "Kirti monk Donyo Dorjee, age 34, has been sentenced to three years in prison, and is now in the Mianyang prison near Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China.

In April this year, locals and armed security forces clashed at the famous Kirti monastery in Ngaba area of eastern Tibet after a monk, Phuntsok set himself on fire and died in apparent protest against the Chinese rule over Tibet.

We have not been able to discover the details of the place or time of his court hearing, and nothing has been known of his whereabouts since he was arrested from the monastery on April 8," Ven. Losang Yeshe and Kanyag Tsering from the Kirti monastery in exile told The Tibet International.

"He belongs to the Rawe Pelko Tsang

Tibetan monk Donyo Dorje, age 34, Kirti Monastery, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

house in Cha township, Ngaba county.

His father's name is Pelko. He became a Kirti monk at a young age. A further three youths were sentenced and imprisoned at Mianyang, but their names and other details are not known," said the exiled monks.

"These days there are over 300 officials from other counties in Ngaba prefecture

staying in Kirti monastery day and night, in addition to 300 county officials conducting ongoing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Patriotic Religion' re-education," they added.

The monks said that "the monastery is still occupied and under surveillance by police, army and special police forces inside and out, restricting all activity and movement of the monks."

An official of the Chinese communist regimes however has claimed that the situation at Kirti monastery is "normal" and that relations between monks and police are "harmonious".

He claimed that the monks had "sufficient" supplies and that while measures were in place to "prevent unidentified people from entering", relations between the monks and police had "always been harmonious". The spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mr. Hong Lei also warmed on the United States to stop making "irresponsible remarks", following a strong concern expressed by the US State Department on 14 April this year.

Mr. Hong denied reports of a military lock-down during a regular news briefing to reporters in Beijing, saying, "According to our knowledge, the monks in the Kirti monastery enjoy a normal life and normal Buddhist activities, and the local social order is also normal."

China Sentences Two Tibetan Monks To 3 Years Imprisonment

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: A local Chinese Intermediate People's Court sentenced two Buddhist monks from Karti Monastery of Ngaba region, eastern Tibet to three years imprisonment term each in this month. In a large breach of international human rights, Chinese officials and military forces are still forcibly controlling the sacred Buddhist institution of over 5000 monks.

According to a latest report of India based Tibet Human Rights watchdog, 'Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD, a "confirmed information received on 19 July 2011, two Buddhist monks from the monastery; Lobsang Khedup and Lobsang Gyatso of Kirti monastery, Ngaba County, were sentenced to three years imprisonment term each on 15 July 2011."

Lobsang Khedup (around 36) was arrested on 4 May 2011 from Kirti Monastery. Son of Thoelee (father), he belongs to Thoelee-Tsang (home) and hails from Lower Chookleh Village, Ngaba County. He began his study at the Kirti Monastery at an early age, after being ordained and has attained high level of Buddhist studies. While continuing with his studies, he also tutors younger students at the monastery.

Lobsang Gyatso (39) is from Upper Chookleh Village, Ngaba County, and is son of Gyakyap (father). He was arrested on 9 May 2011. Both monks remained incommunicado for nearly

Two Tibetan monks sentenced 3 years in jail. Photo: TPI

two months and no information was known, except it was heard that they both were somewhere in Moawan County.

The charges against both also remain unclear at the time though the reason that led to their arrest is apparent. On 21 April 2011, when the Chinese police arrested a large number of monks from the monastery, these two monks, along with many other monks, assembled in the monastery requesting not to arrest the monks or else arrest them too. At this time, both of them are in a prison in Mein-Yang area, Sichuan Province.

Earlier in June, Chinese officials have declared over 1200 members of Tibet's Kirti Monastery to be expelled. in a specially prepared register, listing around 1200-1300 monks, that those on

the list are to be expelled from Kirti monastery, as of that day (6th May 2011). The list consists of Tibetan monks who live at, and attend the monastery.

The Chinese authorities also announced several monks' names on the list in June, which they posted on the walls of the monastery, stating: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;you have to leave the monastery [immediately]'.

Police raids carried out at the Monastery, the rooms of those listed will be taken by the government, sources from the region state. In a peaceful response to the Chinese authorities, the Tibetan monks denied the Chinese announcement, highlighting that the monastery is their home.

TPI TIBET IN EXILE Dekyiling Tibetans Honour Organization to Reach Out to Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Tibetan Settlements Rinpoche

6

The Tibet Post

30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

elegates from Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement at Dehradun present a thangka (scroll painting) of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Kashag Secretariat in Dharamsala, on Monday, 25 July 2011. Photo/Namgyal Tsewang/Tibet TV

By Central Tibetan Administration Official Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala: - As a mark of their deep gratitude and appreciation, the Tibetan community based in Dekyiling Settlement in northern India today honoured Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche for his remarkable service to the Tibetan community since coming to exile.

A seven-member delegation from Dekyiling Tibetan settlement met Kalon Tripa at the Kashag Secretariat here this morning.

They presented Kalon Tripa with a scroll painting of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and a silver plated cup for butter lamp offerings. The delegation represents the local Tibetan assembly, Bod-Rawang Denpai Legul Tsokchung,

group leaders, regional Tibetan youth congress and Tibetan women's Association, National Democratic Party for Tibet and the general public.

Thanking the delegation Kalon Tripa said, "I have reiterated before that I have been able to contribute my service for the community because of the public support."

"Since we are in a democratic community, one has to continue to work in the future to serve and fulfil the interest of the general public," Kalon Tripa said.

"On behalf of Dekyiling Settlement, we met Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche to express our deep gratitude and thank him for his outstanding

Dharamshala: The Tibetaanse Vlaamse Vriendenkring, a Tibet support group in Belgium, has announced their 2012 projects for Tibetan refugees. In the Tibetan settlement in Mainpat, in the Indian state of Chattisgarh, they will install water filters in all of the homes there. They will also construct a mortuary for Dhonden Old People's Home in Chauntra.

This past April, the organization gave new shoes to 426 Tibetan refugees in McLeod Ganj. This year they have decided to start more than one project.

"In this way we can suggest several initiatives and people can choose for which specific project they want to give a donation," said the press release by Dennis Barbion & Marijke Reynaert.

"We can help more Tibetans in India, at different locations and in several ways."

The first project, for clean water, will take place in Mainpat, in Chattisgarh state. Mainpat, the first Tibetan settlement established by the government of India in 1967, is one of the poorest Tibetan settlements in India.

The organization, therefore, plans to setup a 15-liter water filter in every house in the settlement as well as the

service to the Tibetan people since coming to exile in general and his service as Kalon Tripa in particular," the delegates told reporters after the meeting.

Tibet Activists Hold Online Press Conference ........Continues from front Page Panelists included Tenzin Dorjee of Students for a Free Tibet, Dhardon Sharling of the Tibetan Women's Association, and Tenzin Jigme and Allison Reynolds of the International Tibet Network.

Speaking of the celebrations commemorating the 60th Anniversary, Jigme said, "While Galas, exhibitions and book launches are being held in Lhasa, Tibetans from Kham and Amdo are being brutally repressed - a part of life in occupied Tibet that China is not showcasing in its propaganda events."

To get an idea of what is really happening in Tibet, he said, one must look in Tibetan homes and Tibetan monasteries.

Reynolds spoke about how China's "extreme mechanisms of control," including deaths in monasteries such as Karze, long prison sentences for demonstrators, and the current security situation in Lhasa have only fueled more protests.

Strategic nonviolence One main topic during the press conference was the non-violent forms of resistance that are currently taking place among Tibetans.

One of these acts of resistance involves the boycott of Chinese vegetable shops in certain areas of Tibet. The boycott started when a small group of Tibetans in a specific area decided to stop buying from Chinese vegetable shops. The movement grew so large that some Chinese shops were forced to close

down, enabling Tibetan vegetable sellers to open new shops. The movement was so successful that it has spread to neighboring areas.

Dorjee described such tactics as using "personal and social space to make change on the ground, at the grassroots level." He termed these types of resistance "strategic nonviolence," saying that the boycott of the vegetable shops represents a "fundamental shift" in the Tibetan struggle.

Again using a peaceful strategy to keep their culture alive, some Tibetans have started making a conscious effort to read and speak only in Tibetan when they are among family and friends. Some groups of Tibetans have agreed among themselves to start paying a voluntary fine every time they speak a Chinese word, despite the fact that this tactic caused trouble for some monks.

Many Tibetans are starting to educate themselves about non-violent strategies and how they have worked for leaders in the past such as Gandhi, according to Dorjee. Tibetans' interest in these types of movements is no doubt fueled by their devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his firm commitment to peace and nonviolence.

"It is time for the world to put their weight behind the Tibetan peoples' nonviolent struggle for freedom," Dorjee said.

Hope for the future Speaking about the future of Tibet and China, Dorjee drew on an opinion held

by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness claims that while 60 years is the long time in the life of a person, it is a very short amount of time in the life of a nation.

Dorjee said that things may change economically for China, calling the recent economic growth in China a "miracle."

"Miracles don't last," he said.

He also claimed that human rights and economic interest are not exclusive; just because a country opposes rights abuses does not mean its economy goes down.

Dorjee called on China and the international community to act. He urged China to withdraw forces from Tibet and release detainees, for governments internationally to issue statements of concern about the situation in Tibet, for the media to press for access in Tibet, and for the next generation of Chinese leadership to radically change Tibet policy.

Sharling spoke of the importance of actual action. Countless resolutions have been passed but not implemented, she said. She spoke of the importance of pressuring one's country to implement resolutions related to Tibet, and also advised tourists in Tibet to request a visit to Chinese prisons.

"We are not understanding human rights and equality as much as we should be," she said, speaking of the importance of "continued action and consistent action."

Mr. Dennis Barbion and his wife Marijke Reynaert in Dharamshala, India in April 2011. Photo: Dennis/TPI

Old People's Home there. In Mainpat, 2,500 people live in seven different camps. "Water is so important, water means life," the press release said.

Installation of the water filters will take place in the spring of 2012.

The second project involves building a mortuary for the Dhonden Old People's Home in Chauntra, near Bir.

Currently, after someone passes away, their body is left in their room for several days after death. The length of time someone is left there depends on both astrology and the availability of wood.

The mortuary will provide a place for the bodies to be kept prior to cremation.

If enough funds are present, the construction is also expected to start in the spring of 2012.

Sufficient funds will be needed for both of these projects; each water filter costs 50 euro, and in the building of the mortuary, donations are needed for the structure, excavation, slab work, roofing, and electricity.

If you are interested in donating to these projects, please contact Dennis at dennis.barbion@telenet.be This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Nepal Arrests 6 Tibetans as China Increases Pressure

Hundreds of Nepal polices deployed on 10 March, the Tibetan National Uprising Day, Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: TPI

By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: On July 12, Nepal arrested six Tibetan men, aged 16 to 27, for illegally crossing its borders from Tibet. According to AFP, local police apprehended them before dawn in a village in Lamabager, Dolakha district. Deputy Superintendent of the area Umesh Raj Joshi said that they would be handed over to the Immigration Department in Kathmandu shortly.

Having crossed the Himalayan border area on foot, the escapees are now held in custody at the District Police Office in Charikot, with their files already transferred to immigration authorities.

US embassy cables, exposed by WikiLeaks last year, suggest that Chinese authorities are paying Nepalese police to detain Tibetans, but the police declines to reveal exact numbers of Tibetans arrested in Nepal.

An estimated 2500 Tibetans flee from China into Nepal every year though this is the first confirmed case in a year. Home to around 20.000 Tibetan refugees, thousands more are believed to live there as undocumented migrants.

In March this year a Chinese army delegation pledged $20 million in support of Nepal's defence budget while meeting with Nepalese border officials. Recently, on July 10, meetings were resumed when the Beijing Intelligence Bureau and Lhasa Security Bureau held talks with Nepal border authorities.

Underlining the heightened bordersecurity, local newspaper The Kantipur Daily reported on July 12, that China intents to ban foreigners from entering via the Nepalese border. A month-long prohibition is set to take effect from July 25, the same week that China's Vice President Xi Jingping is scheduled to visit Tibet.

"The Chinese side has never sounded as

serious regarding border security", the Kantipur daily quoted Bijay Poudel, the Nepali head of immigration at the Tatopani border crossing, as saying. The move will affect about 400 tourists who enter Tibet via Nepal every day.

Nepal has continuously been stepping up border security since the 2008 riots in Tibet and the restrictions facing Tibetans in Nepal are growing. The newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Yang Houlan, has recently been holding talks with politicians, asking them to prevent any anti-China activity in Nepal.

Photographs of Tibetan religious leaders, the Tibetan anthem and flag as well as banners with pro-Tibet slogans have all been banned, while Tibetan celebrations of Buddhist holidays etc. have been kept under strict control.

On the recent birthdays, this month, of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, festive activities were clamped down on and in the leadup, 39 Tibetans have been arrested in Kathmandu in a strategy aimed to prevent public celebrations of the Tibetan spiritual leaders.

On July 10, 12 of these detainees were, however, ordered to be released by the Supreme Court of Nepal who found that their 20 days in detention was "without reasonable explanation... and that said detention is illegal," according to court documents obtained by the International Campaign for Tibet.

Nepal's Supreme Court chastised the local police, the Chief District Officer and the prosecutor's office involved in the detention for failing to provide a written explanation to the court for the Tibetans' detention and for failing to issue arrest warrants for the Tibetans, according to the court documents.

News site TibetCustom.com reported Mary Beth Markey, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, as saying that, "The Nepal Supreme Court's ruling clearly points to the political nature of these detentions, highlighting the precarious situation Tibetans face in Nepal", adding that, "This is an encouraging indication of the independence of the judicial system in Nepal despite Beijing's pressure on Nepal to crackdown on activities it deems to be 'anti-China'."

The Tibet Post ........Continues from Page No 2 inequality but there is a difference", and I think, rather than gender equality we need more gender sensitization.

TPI: As a newly elected MP, how do you feel that the, predominantly male, parliament members are responding to the female MPs in the parliament sessions?

TDS: For me, what was surprising was that the men themselves advocated for more women presence. And if you see a lot of people who supported me and who campaigned for me, they were men who were already in the running. That was very humbling for me to realize that men do see the potential in women and they are willing to give way.

Even today, a lot of men are congratulating me saying, "we wanted that change and we see that in you". I had more men congratulating me than women which was very surprising. I don't think we can stereotype Tibetan men and say they are all against women's success.

There is a section of people who are against these changes happening, but there are well educated, thoughtful people with good vision, who wants to see women come up, so I don't have any bad experiences or feelings of being singled out because I am a woman.

In fact I see that as a bonus, I see that as something that boosts my confidence. Because of the fact that I am a woman, they listen to me more, They think we are very sharp and capable, and also what's nice is that my colleagues there, I think there are twelve of us, they are all very capable women.

If we do well, I think there will be more women participation in the next parliament. A lot is riding on our shoulders and I think we are bound to do that given the expectations and the support of both women and men.

TPI: Female Kalon Tripa, do you see that happening?

TDS: I think so, it has to happen, because it has been 500 years, ever since the Gaden Phodrang institution was established, since there was a political government to Tibet, and so far we haven't had any women as the head of the state. What is interesting is that His Holiness himself is ready to give up and he is himself advocating for women leaders, I think it has to happen.

I don't know whether the next Kalon Tripa election in 2016 will see a female Kalon Tripa, but after that, definitely yes. I think it is our responsibility to make an environment which is conducive for women to reach the top level.

TPI: With Tibetan women in exile enjoying the fruits of democracy, education and globalization, the women inside Tibet remain hard to reach and to give training such as the women's leadership programmes that the TWA is offering in exile. How do you expect to be able to help the women in Tibet in the future?

TDS: Well, you know we really want to reach out to the women inside Tibet and I think before we actually step on to doing something called leadership training or anything, there is more of a need for basic, sustainable projects. The basic living conditions for women in Tibet are not very good and that is why there is a need to generate projects that are sustainable in nature and that will kind of give them an income generation for the next many years.

That is a priority for now, though it is very difficult for us to reach out to the groups who are already working there because they are fearing reactions from the Chinese government. But I think

TPI TIBET WORLD

30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

7

Criticism on Banning Budapest Tibet Protest Rejected

Mr. András Schiffer - photo: TPI/Kovács Tamás MTVA

Belgium, 17th July 2011-The banned demonstrations in Hungary at the end of June were discussed in the Hungarian Parliament on 4th July 2011.

Several Tibet groups and human rights organisations planned demonstrations during the visit of the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiaobao in Budapest, but the protests were banned.

Moreover, the Tibetans living in Hungary were forced to go to the

Immigration Office without any reason the day of the visit of the Chinese Prime Minister. That was remarkable, as the offices in Hungary are always closed on Saturdays, and the Tibetans have official permits, to stay and to work in Hungary.

Dr. András Schiffer, leader of the LMP party fraction (Lehet Más a Politika, „Politics Can Be Different"), criticized the facts that the policemen insulted

the Tibet activists who wanted to demonstrate during the visit of the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiaobao, and that the police has forbidden a demonstration of the Falun Gong, a religious group of which a lot of their members in China are sentenced to imprisonment in labour camps.

Dr. Schiffer reminded that also the former „pseudo-left-wing" governments in Hungary prohibited demonstrations with invented reasons and that the Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán said specifically the same at the end of June, "that they will take firm steps to eliminate the actions which risk the goals of the State". The LMP fraction leader asked what the real reason was for the police measures, and whether the government issued orders to the police.

As the Prime Minister Orbán had already left the hall, Mr. Károly Kontrát who is Under-Secretary of State answered that the announced demonstration was banned by the police because of potential traffic problems due to the protests, and to guarantee the security and a smooth transport of the Chinese delegation.

"The ethical questions are important,

but it's also not possible to disregard the ethical responsibility of the leaders of the country" said Kontrát, who partly repeated some former words of Mr. Orbán "that it is allowed to demonstrate but do not destroy the goals of the State". Mr. Károly Kontrát added "that the police acted in the interest of the safety of the protected persons and the preservation of their dignity", and furthermore that there was an increased control in force in the whole territory of Budapest city during the EU-presidency, in the framework of which the measures against certain persons were taken.

According to Mr. Schiffer, this reply was „scandalous and against the law", because the right of assembly has nothing to do with goals of the state and international relationships, and that there is a precise description of reasons to ban a demonstration.

In the view of the leader of the LMP fraction, the government „humbles the country by its servility". The Parliament accepted the reply of the UnderSecretary with 187 votes to 73 and 10 abstentions. More than 40 deputies of Fidesz party did not vote although they were present.

Tibetans, Vietnamese Demonstrate Together in Munich

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Demonstration against the CCP and VCP, Munich, South Germany. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: - On the occasion of the this year we will be able to do two such kind of projects inside Tibet.

And then we want to stress on education. There are a lot of groups who are giving scholarships to young women who are building hostels, schools and we are in touch with these groups, though they are very wary of hearing from us or replying to us because they are being constantly watched. But I think we will make progress.

There is something in place and the least we can do is contribute financially or just with moral support which is also required. So efforts are there on our part but we haven't as of yet reached that stage where we can actually physically impart training and programs in Tibet.

But the effort is very much there and I think that it is like a dream goal, you know, we don't see Rangzen [freedom] or anything as of now, but for the time being, the urgency of the situation calls for help in bettering the lives of these women and we are committed to doing that, because that is achievable and that's practical.

TPI: Thank you very much for your time and your views!

60th Anniversary of Tibet, Tibetans and Vietnamese living in Europe held a rally in Munich, Germany on July 16.

Kardze and Ngaba, and China's invasion of parts of Vietnam. Protesters also gathered at the Chinese consulate to call attention to the recent propaganda drive in Tibet.

The Chinese government has closed the Tibetan region both because of preparations for the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the 17 Point Agreement and because of celebrations relating to the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party in China. It is thought that there will be military exercises during this time, which could cause tensions to run high.

According to some reports, select foreign guests will be invited to the 60th Anniversary celebrations in Lhasa. Mandie McKeown of the

Demonstration against the CCP and VCP, Munich, South Germany. Photo: TPI

According to a press release from the United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFT), supporters rallied to raise awareness about the recent closure of the Tibetan region, the protests in

International Tibet Network advised invitees, "while we deplore the closure of Tibetan areas to independent observers, we call on any foreigners invited to participate these anniversary

events to stay away since their presence would represent a sickening endorsement of China's appalling human rights record in Tibet."

Ngaba has been a sensitive area since March, when a 20-year-old Tibetan monk self-immolated. Monks living at Kirti Monastery experienced a severe crackdown after this, with authorities forcibly removing and detaining hundreds. In nearby Karze, small groups, protesting for Tibet's freedom and for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, have been detained in several different incidents within the last month.

Many Vietnamese, also feeling that China is a threat to their security, stood in solidarity in protest with the Tibetans. China has occupied land along the Vietnamese-Chinese border, and they have also established control over the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands.

"The Vietnamese German Community...is lending the fellow people our hands by doing any possibility to protest the Chinese expansion plot," said the Free Vietnamese Community in Bavaria.

In regard to propaganda in Tibet, which has recently increased due to the upcoming 60th Anniversary celebrations, Brigitte Graefin von Bulow of the United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) said that though the Chinese propaganda is largely the same as it was many years before, Tibetans remain discontented. "China, who invaded peaceful and independent Tibet in 1949, has had 60 years to win Tibetan hearts and minds, but has utterly failed."

Other such protests will take place in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, and in Washington, DC, USA at later times.

During these protests, Tibetan, Vietnamese, Uyghur, and Mongolian people will come together to demonstrate for "Action for Tibet and Vietnam."

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30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives Back in Dharamshala

Tibetans in Dharamshala welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet after his 11 day tour to US in last two weeks, Dharamshala, India on 20th July 2011. Photo: TPI

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived back in Dharamshala today after a 3-week trip to the United States. An enthusiastic crowd of monks, locals and tourists lined up on either side of Temple Road, which was decorated with colorful banners and prayer flags, to catch a glimpse of His Holiness as his car drove through the main square in the Himalayan town of McLeod Ganj.

According to Tibet.net, His Holiness was met at Kangra airport by Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Lopon Sonam, and heads of several Tibetan nongovernmental organizations.

During His Holiness' time in the US, he performed an 11-day Buddhist Kalachakra ritual in capital Washington DC. The Kalachakra ritual included chanting, meditation, and teachings, and taught practitioners to develop more compassion and peace. He also spoke in Chicago, Illinois on the importance of interfaith dialogue, saying that much unnecessary

violence comes from people not understanding and accepting each others' beliefs.

He met with several US political leaders in Washington DC, including President Barack Obama. He also met with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, members of the US State Department and other congressional leaders. These government officials consistently expressed support for human rights in Tibet and China-Tibet dialogue. A White House statement said that President Obama "encourages direct dialogue to resolve long standing differences and a dialogue that produces positive results for China and Tibetans...the President reiterated his strong support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of Tibet."

On August 13, His Holiness will travel to Toulouse, France, where he will give teachings on Kamalashila's The Middling States of Meditation (gomrim barpa) at the Zenith de Toulouse.

The Tibet Post

CTA: Chinese Government Covering Up Dark Facts On July 18, 2001, a press conference was held in Dharamshala, India by the official of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) to discuss the Central Tibet Administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (CTA) reaction to Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently released White Paper.

The White Paper, entitled Fifty Years of Democratic Reform in Tibet, defends China's position in regard to Tibet. The paper, according to China.org, claims that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his allies' interests "fundamentally contradict those of Tibetan working people."

The paper states that His Holiness and his followers aim for Tibetan Independence, and calls for them to change their political position.

The paper also claims that many advances have been made in Tibet under Chinese rule, claiming that both political participation and the economy have grown rapidly. It also asserts that the Chinese government is making many efforts to promote Tibetan language, culture, and religion.

In response to China's latest white paper on Tibet, the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration said in their statement that "the ultimate judge of China's rule or misrule in Tibet should be the Tibetan people...the grim situation in Karze and Ngaba in eastern and northeastern Tibet is a clear judgment made by the Tibetan people of China's sixty years of rule in Tibet."

The statement accuses the Chinese government of covering up dark facts related to China's invasion of Tibet, such as the fact that over 1.2 million Tibetans have died as a result of the invasion.

The White Paper, according to the CTA, is "another whitewash of an ongoing and ugly reality."

"Another startling fact of the nature of China's white papers on Tibet is their frequency. In an open, plural society,

DIIR Secretary, Thupten Samphel (R) DIIR minister, Kelsang Yangyi Taklha (C) and Tenzin Phuntsok Atisha, DIIR Secretary at a press breifing at Tibet Museum, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, on 3rd May 2011. Photo: TPI

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

no elected government is compelled to issue white papers so frequently. An educated electorate and free media enable people to make their judgment on the performance of their elected representatives during elections. This is not so with China. In the age of the Internet, the Chinese Communist authorities spend enormous resources to keep the Chinese people ignorant and the media muzzled," it said.

The frequency of the white papers issued in China also indicates that the government is covering up the truth, according to the CTA. "No amount of cycled and recycled white papers can silence those brave Chinese voices that demand democracy in China and Tibetan voices that call for greater freedoms for the Tibetan people," the statement asserts.

"Perhaps one reason for China to waste so much ink and paper on the Tibetans is to counter the enormous and growing sympathy the Tibetan struggle attracts within the international community,

Young Tibetans Take A Lead in Ladakh Settlement

New Kalontripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay to Take Oath in Next Month ........Continues from front Page statement declared.

The oath taking ceremony will be held at 8:30 am at the central courtyard of the main Tibetan temple, opposite the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

43-year-old Lobsang succeeds Samdhong Rinpoche as Kalontripa.

"All these dignitaries will offer the traditional Tibetan greeting scarves (Tib: Khatags), as a way of felicitating Dr. Lobsang Sangay on this historic day."

The oath will be administered by Ngawang Phelgyal, the Chief Justice Commissioner, in the presence of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who will also address the official function, accoring to statement issued by the the administration.

The new Kalontripa will be the first to take charge of the office after the Tibetan Parliament amended its charter to divest His Holiness the Dalai Lama

of his political role and transfer his functions to the elected heads of the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala.

"On the second day, 9 August, foreign dignitaries, including members of parliaments and other friends of Tibet, including our Chinese friends, will felicitate Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay at the public ceremony at 9 am at the same venue, it said.

Dr. Lobsang was chosen in the third direct elections for the Kalontripa held on March 20 this year. He is the first political leader to have been born outside Tibet, his birthplace being Darjeeling, India. To many Tibetans Dr. Lobsang represents the younger generations of Tibetans with his rhetoric of "innovation, self-reliance and equality" as well as the fact that he himself will be among one of the younger politicians of the Central Tibetan Administration with his 42 years of age.

including amongst Chinese scholars, writers, public intellectuals and human rights activists in and outside China.

The international community, as such, will not be fooled by China's white papers on Tibet," said the statement.

The statement also says that the Chinese government, realizing that the international community is largely sympathetic towards Tibet, feels the need to justify their actions in Tibet again and again. The international community will not be fooled, says the CTA. The CTA plans to issue another statement directly countering the claims about Tibet's history and progress that are made in the White Paper.

In closing, the statement asserts that "the Central Tibetan Administration take this opportunity to inform Beijing that the day when the State Council feels that there is no need to issue white papers on Tibet is the day when the reality in Tibet conforms to official Chinese Communist rhetoric."

Dhondup Tashi in his Chief RepresentativeOffice from where he administrates the daily life of Sonamling settlement. Photo: TPI

By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - In the Tibetan settlement of Sonamling in Ladakh, less than 100 km from the Tibetan border in the northernmost corner of India, the youth is increasingly assuming leadership, making Sonamling the youngest led Tibetan settlement under the auspices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

For up to eight months of the year, Ladakh's desolate location in the

Himalayas, and the extreme weather conditions there, make Sonamling virtually inaccessible. But despite their partial isolation the Tibetan refugees in Sonamling are actually at the forefront of democracy in the Tibetan exile community.

Paving the Way for a New Democracy As the youngest to hold the office of Chief Representative (CR) in a Tibetan settlement, Sonamling's 41-year-old

Dhondup Tashi is also the first CR to be elected by popular vote.

The Tibet Post International recently met him in his office, a ten minute drive from the Buddhist capital Leh, from where he directs the approximately 7300 individuals who make up the Tibetan refugee population in Ladakh.

A lecturer by profession, Dhondup Tashi has put his career on hold for three years to serve the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He credits the schools of the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) for the unique age-shift amongst community leaders in the area; "because of the local TCV, 90 % of the youth are educated here, unlike other Tibetan settlements."

The 21 camp leaders under his jurisdiction are mostly youth, he said and added, "a good number of the youth here are contributing members of society. There are so many of them who are willing and able to take the chair."

He is now two years into his three year tenure, but when he is done he would prefer to see someone young take over again. "New and young minds have fresh ideas", he said as he underlined the importance of people electing their Continues on Page 9...

The Tibet Post

TPI 17TH KARMAPA

RFA Promotes Freedom of Expression, 17th Karmapa

Ven Khenpo Sonam Tenphel (1st from left) addressing the meeting organised by Italy's Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty General Council in Tunis. Also seen in the picture is Marco Pannella, member of the European Parliament and President of the Nonviolent Radical Party (1st right).

Photo: Tibet Net

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile participated in the meeting of Italy's Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty General Council held in Tunis from 22-24 July. Around 82 delegates took part in the three-day meeting to discuss issues of democracy and non-violence among others.

The meeting was attended by some of the top Italian politicians which include Marco Pannella, member of the European Parliament and President of the Nonviolent Radical Party, Emma Bonino, vice president of the Italian Senate and former Italian Minister of European Affairs and International

Trade, Perduca Marco, a member of Transnational Radical Party.

In his statement, Deputy Speaker Ven Khenpo Sonam Tenphel apprised the delegates about the His Holiness the Dalai Lama's decision to devolve his formal authority to the elected Tibetan leadership for the long-term benefit of the Tibetan people.

The deputy speaker informed the participants about the deteriorating situation inside Tibet in terms of the Tibetan people's right to religious belief, use their own language, culture and traditional lifestyles under the repressive and discriminatory policies of the Chinese government. "The policy of Chinese government simply deepened resentment and animosity between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples," the deputy speaker said.

"Lack of respect for the sentiments and aspirations of the people always results in resentments and conflicts between the people and those who govern them.

It is crucial for the leaders to be always accountable to the people who have reposed their trust and confidence in them," he said.

"The Chinese government should actually resort to peaceful dialogue with their own people by respecting the basic human rights, principle of democracy and the rule of law. Only then the Chinese authorities will be able to build trust and confidence between the government and the people," he added.

On the Sino-Tibetan dialogue process, the deputy speaker said there has been negative response of the Chinese government towards the efforts made by the Tibetan side in resolving Tibet's problem through the mutually beneficial Middle-Way policy. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration presented written proposals for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the constitution of the People's Republic of China. The Chinese government, however, has given negative response and imposed further restrictions on Tibetan religious freedom, language and fundamental rights," he said.

He underscored the strategic importance of the Tibetan plateau as the source of many rivers in Asia. "The significance and the sensitivity of the Tibet's environment have been recognised internationally. Asia as a continent and in fact the world at large will enjoy genuine peace and stability only when a lasting solution is reached to resolve the Tibetan political problem," he said.

The deputy speaker further said, "the Tibetan people are firmly resolve to follow the path of peace and nonviolence in their struggle for freedom and human dignity."

He expressed hope that the meeting will go a long way in having meaning discussions and also reaching effective and lasting way out for resolving the crucial problems currently faced by humanity.

He also thanked the organising party for their support to the Tibetan cause.

..............Take A Lead in Ladakh Settlement ........Continues from Page No 8 own leaders and understanding democratic principles.

Among his constituency are 9 Changthang-camps inhabited by ca.

3000 "nomads and cowboys". They primarily herd livestock in desolate areas of the Ladakhi mountain range

Sonamling football players playing a friendly tournament on one of the world's highest sportsgrounds. Friends United play in blue shirts and are tipped to win. Photo: TPI

and were some of the hardest voters to reach during the recent election for the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, with ballot boxes being transported to polling booths on mule-backs, in temperatures dropping to -30 and below.

It is therefore with considerable pride that he has witnessed a growing democratic awareness among the area's Tibetans; "even the uneducated people in the rural areas take interest in the election process."

The Camps' Youth are Solving the Problems In the slightly lower lying areas near the Ladakhi village of Choglamsar (3500 meters above sea level), most of Sonamling's inhabitants make their living as manual labourers while some have petty businesses and a few are farming alfalfa to use for animal fodder.

But with as many as 2500 students attending TCV schools, the settlement's youngest generations are becoming more capable and confident in handling community affairs.

One of the young camp leaders is Tashi Tsering, 28, who is born in Sonamling.

He went to the local TCV school and after class 10 studied "outside", as he puts it. Tashi holds diplomas in Business Management and Human Resource Management and he is, in fact, the youngest camp-leader in all of Sonamling.

But he is not alone in his age-group to take responsibility. "The problems I am facing are due to my lack of experience and also my committee members being rather young", he said during a recent football match at the Sonamling TCV sportsground.

The inexperience of young age, however, seem to be Tashi's biggest concern and he has never had to measure out any disciplinary action, which is one of his heavier responsibilities as elected leader of Camp 10.

"I listen to their grievances and see what I can do to solve the problems within my community first, but of course if that doesn't work we take the issue to the CRO. So far I haven't had any problems like that", Tashi Tsering said.

The tenure as Camp Leader only lasts one year but Tashi is willing to give it another go when his term is up; "if they want me to, I will", he said as his teammates called on him to join the semi-finale match.

The tournament was being held in honour of the Tibetan martyr Thupten Ngodup who self-immolated in Delhi 10

years ago, protesting the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Tashi's team, Friends United, deemed the favourite to win, was founded by himself. "We are all a circle of friends anyway and so I thought, why not play some football too?", he said.

Home Is Where the Heart Is Tashi's "Camp 10" is one of the smallest in the area with 57 families, or about 350-400 people, and he seem to know every single one of them. "Honestly speaking; I grew up here, I played here, I studied here and my family is here. It makes me feel very proud to be working for them."

Because of the remoteness of Sonamling, Tashi explained, "there are less opportunities here compared to for example Delhi, and actually here in Ladakh, Tibetans live in some very remote places so most of us stay with our families", he said.

Yet for all of Tashi Tsering's engagement in his community and the fact that he is born and raised in the settlement, he is ready as ever to relocate to Tibet, "if Tibet is free one day then of course we will move back" he said and added, "but just because we are so close, it doesn't necessarily mean we will be the first refugees to go in, that is up to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamshala."

Where and how Tibetan refugees would move back into a free Tibet might be for the CTA to decide, but perhaps Tashi Tsering and the other young leaders of Sonamling will be the first generation to lead the communities there, just as they are already spearheading the Sonamling settlement, only hours away from their native land.

30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

9

RFA Promotes Freedom of Expression, 17th Karmapa

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa at RFA office on 15th July 2011. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

WASHINGTON, DC - On the heels of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to RFA earlier in the week, His Holiness Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, Fridat, 15th July visited RFA's headquarters in Washington, DC. During the Tibetan lama's visit, he met privately with the news agency's leadership, gave an interview to RFA's Tibetan service, and met with RFA Tibetan's language service staff. He spoke about RFA's important role in its 15th anniversary year as a broadcaster for the Tibetan community both in Tibetan regions inside China and around the world.

"It is something like a dream for me to be physically present at Radio Free

Asia," the Karmapa said in his meeting with RFA's Tibetan staff. "When I was in Tibet and listened to RFA Tibetan service programs, I wished that I could personally meet you in person. I am extremely delighted to be present amongst you in person."

"Through the programs of the RFA Tibetan language service, the audience both inside and outside Tibet are greatly benefited with the opportunity of receiving true stories on time for the Tibetan audience and others who are interested, and you promote freedom of expression through your broadcasts," he said in his address. "Your broadcasts are a crucial component for the Tibetan cause."

In his interview, the Karmapa said, "I was brought up in Tibet by listening to RFA Tibetan programs."

"You have completed 15 years of your service, and those 15 years signify extremely remarkable accomplishments," he stated.

The Karmapa is the head the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetan spiritual leader is in Washington with the Dalai Lama for the 11-day Buddhist Kalachakra ritual, which concludes this week. Voice of America also interviewed the Karmapa on same day.

90-Year-Old Communist Party Warns Buddhist Monks and Nuns ........Continues from front Page supporters around the world, however, protest against Beijing for cracking down on free speech, suppressing Tibetan religion and culture, and encouraging the immigration of many Han Chinese to the Himalayan region.

Kongpo Nyintri (Ch: Nyingchi prefecture) region borders Bhutan, Myanmar and India. Xi is in Tibet on the anniversary of what the Communist Party of China calls its “peaceful liberation of Tibet.” His visit to Tibet precedes his expected rise to the office of President and head of the Communist Party of China next year.

During his time there, he went to the town of Kongpo Nyintri region (Ch: Bagyi village) and met local people, encouraging them to “shun separatism,” according to The Times of India. He also met with top officials in the area’s government and military officials heading the Peoples’ Liberation Army unit there, encouraging them to keep advancing the development in the prefecture, to promote tourism, and to protect the environment there.

Before traveling to Nyintri county, Xi was in Shigaste. Another Chinese official, ambassador to Nepal Yang Houlan, said recently that Tibet has been transformed from a place of feudalism and poverty to a place of civilization and prosperity.

He claimed that since China’s “liberation” of Tibet, the economy and the illiteracy rate have improved in Tibet.

He also claimed the government of China facilitated religious freedom and the preservation of traditional culture, and that environmental protection measures

had been put in place.

China’s goal is to transform the nomadic land in Tibet into urbanized, industrialized land. Around 300 000 families in Tibet, involving 1.43 million nomads and farmers, were moved into new or fixed settlement homes since 2006.

According to the so called regional government, another 185,000 families are expected to move into new homes by 2013. This vast initiative led by the Chinese government has been criticized by a bunch of associations as a threat to the Tibetan nomadic culture.

During his time in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, Xi warned Buddhist monks to break with the so called "separatist forces." Speaking at the ancient Tibetan "Jokhang" temple in the capital -- the temple where Buddhist monks staged a protest in front of international reporters in 2008 -- Xi warned over a hundred monks to stay in line with the 90-yearold communist Party.

"The Party and the government will not forget your positive contributions," Xi, who also ironically considers religion as a poison for social development, said, calling them to carry on the patriotic spirit and strive for Tibet's development and the improvement of peoples' living standards.

However, the Communist Party leadership in Tibet has long been challenged with international criticisms.

Many Tibetans bridle at Han Chinese control and that resentment burst out in March 2008 with deadly crackdowns in the capital Lhasa that spread to all other parts of Tibet.

10

30 July, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI LHASA

The Tibet Post

Chinese Vice President Speaks Eight Monks Detained After Refusing in Capital of Tibet, Lhasa CCP's 90th Anniv.

Huge amount of Chinese military presence in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Photo: File

By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Xi Jinping, the Vice President of China, attended public events in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Tuesady (19th July) to mark the so called 60th Anniversary of the signing of the 1951 17-Point Agreement, what China refers to as the "peaceful liberation of Tibet."

According to a statement by the International Tibet Network, Xi has opened a new highway, visited Tibet University, and gone to a special exhibition to meet with senior Tibetan leaders leading up to the events on Tuesday.

It is ironic, according to Tenzin Jigme of the International Tibet Network, that while Xi Jinping is celebrating in Lhasa, "Tibetans from Kham and Amdo, eastern Tibet are being brutally repressed-a part of life in occupied Tibet that China is not showcasing in its propaganda events."

Xi Jinping, China's heir apparent to the presidency, indicated in a speech Tuesday that he will continue with Beijing's current hardline stance on Tibet.

Although His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile have said that they simply want peace and autonomy in their region, Xi views the His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his followers as violent separatists, and says that China should "completely smash any plot to destroy stability in Tibet and jeopardize national unity."

Xi claimed that China has an ancient claim on Tibet and that Tibetans are "part of the big family of China."

According to Voice of America, Xi also indicated two other reasons Tibet may be so valuable to the Chinese. He called Tibet a "national security screen" for China, meaning that the region is a barrier between China and potential rival India. He said that the Tibetan plateau is a major source of resources for China.

Tibet rights groups have been scrutinizing Xi's behavior to determine if Tibet policy will change at all under his leadership.

Tuesday was the first time Xi had spoken at legnth about Tibetan issues. Some Tibetans and Tibet activists have hope because Xi's father, Xi Zhongxun, knew the 10th Panchen Lama well and also knew His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

"So the big question for us is," said Reynolds, "will Ji Jinping turn out to be his father's son? Will he show that he has any empathy for the Tibetan people at all?"

The International Tibet Network calls on Xi to "genuinely engage with the exiled Tibetan government and allow the people of Tibet the freedom to determine their own future."

By The Tibet Post International

BELGIUM, 16th July 2011 - The Chinese authorities of Nangchen county of eastern Tibet had organized festivities and games for July 1, in which virtually no-one participated. On 12 July, to punish the rebellious monks, they imposed a course of "legal education" and immediately arrested the men, who refused to take part.

According to Human Rights Without Frontiers International, a human rights organisation based in Brussels (Belgium), the communist authorities of the Autonomous Prefecture have arrested 8 Buddhist monks who refused to participate in events organized for the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party.

Not even the local population took part in the celebrations, a sign that tension in Tibet in on the rise.

On 12th July 2011, police and some political leaders in the Nangchen county went to the monastery of Surmang and announced to the men were to attend a course on "Legal Education". The "course" was imposed after the monks' refusal to participate in the festivities planned on 1st July, the anniversary of the CCP. Immediately after the announcement, 8 monks - Karma Samten, Jigtak, Sherab, Gaya Tashi, Urgen Samten, Karma Soepa, Karma Monlam and Dosam - distanced themselves, refusing to participate. For this they were arrested and taken by force to the County Detention Center.

These arrests demonstrate that the Tibetan people will not bend to the

Information Secretary Thupten Samphel: White Paper Full of Distortions ........Continues from Page No 2 The traditional way of passing Buddhist knowledge down from teacher to student has been completely destroyed under Chinese rule. He explained that historically, students from all over the Himalayan belt used to risk their lives to travel to Tibet to study.

To illustrate the extent to which this practice has been lost, he used the example of the Karmapa, who came to Tibetan refugee settlements in India to study because there were no qualified teachers in Tibet with whom he could continue his studies.

China also claims that while religious abuses have taken place in the past in Tibet, "unjust, false, and wrong cases have been redressed in Tibet and religious institutions have been reinstated or established."

Samphel said this claim has been historically distorted. When given the freedom to do so in 1980, he explained, Tibetans themselves spent their time, money, and resources to rebuild the monasteries. "They are taking the credit for the Tibetan people," he said. "It is partly true, but the interpretation is totally wrong."

The system of education, historically centered in the Buddhist monasteries and based on religion and culture, has also undergone a radical transformation under Chinese rule. Despite China's claim that Tibetan is the language of primary instruction and the main language spoken throughout Tibet,

Samphel said that just last year, students in Amdo were protesting because of increasing restrictions on the use of the Tibetan language.

Citing another example, he said that on road signs in Tibet, Chinese characters are largely placed at the top with the Tibetan smaller underneath. " So you know which language has greater preference in the eyes of the Chinese authorities," he said.

"Their statements do not conform to the reality seen and experienced by the Tibetan people on a daily basis. What they say and what they do in Tibet are vastly different," said Samphel.

As for China's claims that they rescued Tibetan society from a backward, feudalistic society, he agreed that the feudal society in Tibet was not completely just and perfect. However, he said, the Tibetan people did not experience mass starvation or famine the way other societies like China and India do. "The society functioned on a more egalitarian basis," he said.

Drawing on a claim by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he also said that His Holiness realized at a young age the importance of government reform in Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration has undergone many reforms in regard to democracy and making the voices of people heard. His Holiness has said that without Chinese help, Tibetan society would have moved forward.

Importance of non-censorship Reiterating the view that students are sent away from Tibet to India to learn about Tibetan culture and language, Samphel said that much of the history the students are taught in Tibetan schools is pure Chinese propaganda.

The history textbooks, he told, tell the Chinese communist perspective that Tibet has always been a part of China and that the Tibetan people should be grateful to the Chinese for liberating them.

It is not only the Tibetan children that are taught this, he said, but children in schools throughout China. "Many Chinese scholars, after receiving education in China, go to the west and enjoy open, unfettered access to a variety of information and versions of Tibetan history. They are totally shocked. They feel their government has lied to them."

Samphel said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that if government censorship and distortion were to stop in China, the Chinese people would all agree that the Middle Way Approach was reasonable.

He emphasized that if the claims in the White Papers were true, then there would be no reason for the government to issue White Papers claiming that they are. "If things were really peaceful and bright, the whole world would acknowledge it and China would not have to waste time, energy, and resources."

Pema Rinchen reading his book. Photo: Tibet Net

repression imposed by Beijing in Tibet.

The central government first tried to cajole the monks, providing donations and funds for the "faithful" monasteries, but when this move did

not work it began to arrest all those who oppose it. According to some estimates, from 2008 to today there have been more than 3 thousand arrests.

Walk for Tibet in Australia-Melbourne: A Freedom Campaign ........Continues from front Page in USA (1), to raise the awareness for the suffering of Tibetans under Chinese occupation, and against China's latest propaganda drive in Tibet, so called the 60th anniversary the "peaceful liberation" of Tibet (2).

United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT), with the participation of Australia Tibet Council, local Tibet community and many other Tibetan groups, and even Vietnamese Community in Qld., has organized a *Walk for Tibet in Australia* on Sunday in honor of Jigme Norbu.

UNFFT Campaigners said, "We* walk for Tibet to raise awareness for the suffering of Tibetans under Chinese occupation. The Tibetans are being murdered, annihilated and their culture and land entirely destroyed. China invaded Tibet now more than 60 years ago. Tibet never had been a part of China, and therefore China is unlawfully in

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Tibet."

"Jigme Norbu, who had wanted to take his Ambassadors for Peace to Australia as he had told me, two days before he passed away." said Brigitte Graefin von Bulow of the United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT). "To keep the promise the UNFFT made to partner with Jigme in Australia for his *walk for Tibet*, and decided to walk for Tibet on July 24 (Sunday) in the four cities in Australia, and fulfilling Jigme's wish."

In Australia, Tibetans, Tibet supporters and Vietnamese Campaigners together hold the urgent campaign, which will take place in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide.

Norbu, 45, was struck and killed by an SUV hours later as he walked along a Florida highway. He had walked or biked 7800 miles for Tibet on several continents, and had just started his 20th walk--and first in Florida--when he was struck and killed in the Hammock.

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Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Ms. Keary Huang Mr. Sangay Dorjee Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Tenzin Kunga Mr. James Dunn Ms. Pema Tso

Contributors for this Editon

Keary Huang Cornelius Lundsgaard Mathew Singh Toor Carly Selby-James Colleen McKown YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso

The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

Kangra H.P 176219 India

Taiwan Denmark India Australia US India India India

Tele: 0091-1892-224641 Moble:+91-9882423566 E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com www.thetibetpost.com