The Tibet Post International Online Newspaper

Kalon Tripa

Buddhist Nun

Testifies Before

Dies in 11th

US Congress...

Self-immolations...

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Vol. 02, Issue 03, 15 November 2011 Clinton Confronts China about Tibet

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

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Rs.5

Top Lawmakers Say Japan Support for Middle-Way Policy for Tibet By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi shake hands in Honolulu, Hawaii, on November 10 , 2011 during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Photo: Getty Image

Dharamshala, India: - Thursday, 10th November, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, expressed her deep concern over China's repressive policies towards Tibet at the Asia Pacific Summit in Honolulu, convened in order to engage the region's multilateral institutions and strengthen key Continues on Page 4...

World Day of Prayer for Peace

Former Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche (4th from right) with representatives of different religious traditions on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, Italy on 27 October 2011.

Rome: Prof Samdhong Rinpoche representing His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet took part in the 25th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, Italy on 27 October 2011. Twenty-five years ago, Pope John Paul II initiated the historic first Assisi interfaith meeting.

In his 2011 New Year message, Pope Benedict XVI said he intended to travel in October as a See Page 7...

Tokyo, Japan: - The spiritual leader of Tibet and the Tibetan people, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, during the last leg of his ten-day visit to Japan, was met by a group of Japanese lawmakers at his hotel . The group, headed by former Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe greeted His Holiness and expressed his gratitude for his visits to the earthquake-, tsunami- and radiation-affected regions, and also for the encouragement and condolences he expressed to the grief-stricken people of the region. The lawmakers also expressed their support for His Holiness’ middle-way approach to resolving the Tibet issue and expressed their concern about the deteriorating situation in Tibet.

Later, His Holiness attended a press meeting organized by the Free Press Association of Japan in Tokyo, attended by around 80 journalists from major TV stations, newspapers and magazines. His Holiness greeted the press and said that his main purpose in visiting Japan was to give teachings, organized by Koyasan University in Osaka and Koyasan region. His second reason was to visit the earthquake, tsunami and radiation-affected areas to share the people's grief and to let them know they are not alone. Next, His Holiness explained the two important missions of his life: the promotion of human value and religious harmony.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama comforts a young boy who lost his parents to the tsunami that devastated the area last March in Ishinomaki, Japan, on November 5, 2011. Photo/Kimimasa Mayama

"Human beings are intelligent beings capable of making a positive contribution to society, but this intelligence should be guided by the right motivation, based on moral ethics and values. This

China Detains Two Buddhist Monks in Ngaba, Eastern Tibet

has nothing to do with religion. With a good foundation of human values and ethics, our intelligence could be directed to making this planet Continues on Page 3

Candle Light Vigil Held in Sydney

On Wednesday night (Oct 26) a crowd gathered in Martin Place, Sydney, Australia and held a vigil for the list of Tibetan monks - and, as of last week, one nun who have self-immolated this year, in order to draw global attention to the deteriorating situation inside Tibet. Photo: TPI/Tashi

Sacred to Show Support, but duty

Melbourne: Tibetans in Sydney, Australia have staged a peaceful candlelight vigil and protest two See Page 11..

Tibet’s Global Day of Action

Lobe and Young, file photos from Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, provided by India-based Kirti Monastery.

Photo: TPI

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Lobsang Sangay, the self-proclaimed new leader of Tibetan government-in-exile, speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011.

Photo: AP

Dharamshala: - The political leader of (Kalon Tripa) of the Tibetan Government in Exile (Central Tibetan Administration) spoke to the press Friday, 11th See Page 7....

Dharamshala: - The Chinese clampdown on Tibetan freedom continues in Ngaba Country, with the hardest punches being thrown at Tibetan monks in the region, whose religious freedom and human rights are being systematically stripped away.

On the November 4, another monk was arrested in Ngaba County, Eastern Tibet. 19-yearoold Yonten, of Kirti monastery, was arrested by Chinese officials at his residence at 10 am. His father's name is Kaka, and his mother's name is Donri.

At around 3pm on November 6, another monk, Lobe, aged 21, was also arrested at Kirti monastery.

His father's name is Sonam Dharge and his mother's name is Sonam Dolma.

Both were detained without reason, and their whereabouts remains unknown.

Ngaba County has seen the detention, disappearance and/or demise of an alarming number of monks ever since the first selfimmolation took place at Kirti monastery in March this year. More than 300 Tibetan monks were detained by Chinese troops in the months following the incident. As per the Chinese protocol, no information was given regarding the prisoners See Page 6......

Tibetans and supporters in London, the capital city of the UK, protest against Chinese rule over Tibet with banners and flags - 4th November 2011.

Photo: TPI/Sam

London, UK: The global intervention to save Tibetan lives began on Friday November 4 on the streets of London, where activists standing up for Tibet peacefully demonstrated in a threefold action.

Using a series of iconic theatre acts, demonstrators gathered outside 10 Downing See Page 10....

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15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI VIEWS & ANALYSIS

Is The Tibetan Freedom Movement Entering A New Phase?

By Denzi Yishe

The Tibet Post

Negotiating With Authorities of the Communist State of China

By Tsoltim N. Shakabpa

On 4th November 2011, Police overpowered a young Tibetan exile, 25-year-old Sherab Tsedor who set himself on fire outside the Chinese Embassy in the Indian capital Friday in solidarity with Tibetans who self-immolated in China recently. Photo: TPI

Wyoming, US: - Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama's statement on his decision to devolve political leadership of the Tibetan government-in-exile to a democratically elected leader, on 10 March 2011, a major question has been debated among Tibetans, Chinese, and supporters of Tibet: Will the Tibetan freedom movement enter a new phase?

Following recent events in Tibet and in exile, that question has been echoing much louder.

Firstly, Tibetans in Chinese-controlled Tibet have taken unprecedented nonviolent action by self-immolating, to voice their anger against continued Chinese repression and restrictions on religious freedom.

So far, eleven Tibetans have selfimmolated and six of them have died in doing so.

The newly elected Tibetan leadershipin-exile does not encourage selfimmolations or protests inside Tibet.

However, they have not issued any statement requesting Tibetans to halt the practice.

There have now also been two incidents of self-immolation by exile Tibetans in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Secondly, Tibetans living in exile have resorted to desperate acts to seek international attention about the selfimmolations, including the recent stormings of the Chinese embassies in Vienna, Austria and Paris, France, during which the Chinese national flag was torn down.

What might these unprecedented actions mean to China as well as to Tibetans. What do these actions say to China? As repeatedly noted by experts on Tibet, they provide a clear message to the Chinese government that its policy of repression in Tibet is not succeeding in making Tibetans happy.

China must formulate new and more relaxed policies to meet the primary needs and aspirations of ethnic minorities in general, and of the Tibetan minority in particular.

The self-immolations within and outside Chinese-controlled Tibet may be a massive warning sign for China. Until now, the acts have remained nonviolent. However, they also indicate the potential for violent activities from Tibetans who may be willing to sacrifice their lives.

Further, these acts indicate that the Tibetan freedom struggle will continue far beyond the life of the present Dalai Lama.

The Chinese government may have to reassess their stand and policies on

resolving the Tibet issue while the Dalai Lama is still alive. Though His Holiness may no longer be a political leader, he could still provide the leverage that could benefit both China and Tibet in peacefully resolving the situation.

What do these acts say to Tibetans - a people who are often romanticized as the sacred people of Shangri-La, and upholders of peace, compassion, love, and non-violence?

In the realm of international politics, Tibetans are generally sympathized with. However, the sympathy and support of governments, organizations, and individuals may weaken if Tibetans resort to such desperate acts as storming the Chinese Embassy.

These acts not only discomfit the host country but may also impact the future inflow of Tibetans into other countries - provoking restrictions on visas or the granting of asylum and subsidies.

Moreover, irrespective of whether individual Tibetans stand for complete independence or genuine autonomy, they may need to show some degree of sensitivity towards the general feelings of the Chinese masses.

Accommodation of those feelings may one day prove the biggest gain for the Tibetan freedom movement. That being the case, Tibetans must resist tearing up the Chinese national flag and consider reassessing their several protest slogans.

In conclusion, with the devolution of the Dalai Lama's political power, it is logical to see some changes in the Tibetan freedom movement. However, it may be too early to say whether the Tibetan freedom movement is entering a new phase.

Considering the recent spate of desperate acts, the Chinese government and the Tibetan people may not have the luxury of time. If they do not respond to these acts soon, the chances of the Tibetan political movement entering a new phase may be high - a new phase that may be beyond the reach of the Dalai Lama.

About the author The Author is a graduate student in the Department of Professional Studies at the University of Wyoming, US. You can reach him at tyeshi@uwyo.edu This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views of The Tibet Post International (TPI).

California, USA: - Communists believe that religion is poison, as Mao Zedong himself told the spiritual leader of Tibet,His Holiness the Dalai Lama, sometime between 1954 and 1955. But to us Tibetans, religion is the soul and foundation of our lives.

As we have learned from our own past experience, communists also consider agreements and treaties to be like paper tigers - they tear them up or deploy them as predators as and when it suits them.

For these two reasons alone, I firmly believe it is unwise to enter into any agreement with communists.

I believe in His Holiness the Dalai Lama's endeavours to achieve genuine autonomy for Tibet. However, I also feel these should wait until China becomes a true and meaningful democracy.

If we had genuine autonomy within a truly democratic China, we could enjoy a large degree of political leverage and people power, whilst benefiting from China's wealth. We could then use autonomy as a stepping stone to regaining complete independence, which is our ultimate goal.

How likely is it that China will become a democratic country? I believe it won't be too long.

Intellectuals and students in China are clamoring for democracy. The millions of Chinese overseas who fled communism are demanding democracy so that they can return to their homeland to enrich themselves and their country.

There is a wide economic gap between the urban rich and rural poor in China, which is likely to flare up. China is no longer ruled by one man. She is ruled by consensus, within which there are powerful elements seriously considering some form of democracy.

Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kasur Lodi Gyari (5th from the left) with (from his right) Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen, Tenzin P. Atisha, Bhuchung K Tsering and Jigmey Passang with Vice Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Du Qinglin and (from his left) Executive Vice-Minister Zhu Weiqun, ViceMinister Sithar, Vice-Chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region People's Congress Nyima Tsering, Secretary General of the United Front Chang Rongjun and Deputy Secretary of the United Front An Qi Yi following session on 30 January 2010 afternoon/ Photo:DIIR/CTA

Ethnic minorities in China, which make up ten per cent of the overall population, are totally dissatisfied with tyrannical communist rule and, as in the case of Tibet, defiantly demonstrate against it.

The practice of capitalism with dictatorial communist characteristics is proving to be an eyesore, as demonstrated by the Google case, as well as an impediment to transparency and intellectual property protection.

Such practices generally benefit only loyal communist party cadres, rather than the general public, thus creating another significant economic gap.

Restrictive communist rules cannot, by virtue of logic and practicality, sit beside China's thirst and appetite for capitalism, which calls for free enterprise.

China is also torn between the evils of inflation and deflation. Increasing inflation is ravaging the economy but, if China deflates the economy, she will be faced with millions of unemployed and

dissatisfied workers, who are likely to bring about a major political upheaval.

She is walking a tightrope from which she might any day fall.

Additionally, modern technology has resulted in social media raising an epochal voice for freedom and revolution, which China will not be able to suppress for long. And, finally, powerful North American and European countries are putting the screws on China to turn it into a democracy Tsoltim N Shakabpa is the son of the late Tsepon Wangchuk Deden Shakabpa the eminent Tibetan historian, scholar, statesman, freedom fighter and former Finance Minister for Independent Tibet.

Tsoltim N Shakabpa is popularly known as 'TN', which are his initials and also stand for 'Tibetan National'.

The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views of The Tibet Post International (TPI).

China Must Become a Democracy; Says Taiwanese Group Dharamshala: - On the 25th of October, the Tibet Post International was given the opportunity to interview three imminent Taiwanese delegates during their week-long visit to Dharamshala, and discuss several matters in relation to Tibet, including the issue of Chinese dominance over Taiwan and Tibet, and how the alliance of the two countries might be beneficiary to the development of democracy in both places.

The delegates included Mr. Su Huanchih, political activist, member of the Tainan Parliament and Secretary of the Tainan County, Ms. Wen Hui, a member of Friends of Tibet in Taiwan and Ms. Zhang Su-Hua,journalist of the Taiwanese Radio Station, ‘Dreaming Country'.

Mr. Su, completed his studies in Physics and Political Science at the Taiwan University. He worked as an activist during the Taiwanese struggle for democratic reforms under the National People's Party (Kuomintang), and participated in the Beautiful Island Movement along with many others.

During the period from 1993-2001, he was elected thrice as a member of the Tainan Parliament. From 2001-2010, he was designated Secretary of the Tainan county twice- a designation through which he hopes to be nominated as President in order to effect a greater

Mr. Suade (C) Ms. Wen Hui (R) and Ms. Sow Huaa (L) during a Taiwanese delegation visiting Dharamshala, India, 25th October 2011. Photo: TPI

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

change in his country.

He spoke in length about the current political climate and struggle in Taiwan.

"The Taiwanese Democratic Movement has created a new situation along with many complications in the country, he said. "I personally feel that the TDM is critical to the development of the country, therefore the Taiwanese people need to work harder and participate more actively in it".

He also observed that there are many similarities between the political struggles of Taiwan and Tibet, because both of them are under the power and pressure of China. Many governments empathize with the Tibetan struggle, but cannot openly support the cause of the Tibetan government under Chinese rule. According to Mr. Su, the future of Taiwan, the culture of China

and the development of Tibetan culture are intertwined.

He compared the rapid development of China's economy to Taiwan, stating that the yearly income of a single Chinese person living in China is $4000 while Taiwan pales in comparison with a per capita income of only $2000. "The issue of Chinese economy has become important because up until now, it has been under the control of a single party (PRC) but many people worry that they will not be able to sustain this level of development under a single party in the future. A single party will not be able to remedy all the problems of the economy in the long-term".

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Succession and Return to Tibet In relation to the issue of His Holiness' succession, Mr. Su remarked, "Time is a crucial element. The recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's reincarnation could happen in as long as 10 or 20 years and the political situation in China might also have changed within that span of time. If we will have to recognize His Holiness' reincarnation within 5 years, however, then the situation will be difficult. Nevertheless, political interference in religious matters is not appropriate by any means".

"If there is a sufficient level of change ...... Continues On Page 12

TPI DALAI LAMA IN JAPAN

The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Shares Wisdom with Victims of Fukushima

Members of the audience listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama how to overcome difficulty for victims of Fukushima prefecture, at Nihon University of Engineering in Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan, on 6 November 2011. Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

perception, and thus, the ability to deal courageously with difficulties.

His Holiness added that genuine compassion is unbiased and honest in it's motivation- one should not expect anything back.

A teacher in the audience spoke expressed his concern that the natural disaster had adversely affected the state of mind of the people in the region. His Holiness replied "Mental unhappiness comes from fear and feeling of helplessness. Always think that you are not alone, all of humanity is with you".

Many members of the audience expressed their heartfelt grievances to His Holiness during the session, and he replied with immense positivity and encouragement, reassuring them that he would share in their suffering.

"Natural disasters may increase because of changing global ecology.

But it will not completely destroy the world. The world will remain for thousands of years. But our complaints will never end. Everyone among nearly 7 billion human beings have something to complain about. Don't worry. Be optimistic," he said.

The Dalai Lama touched upon the

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet in exile arrived in Tokyo today, on his 11th visit to Japan. On being asked the purpose of his visit, His Holiness said that although he had offered prayers to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan this year, he wished to personally visit the affected areas, reported the Japanese media. "So, this time after the teachings at Koyasan University, I will visit the affected areas, offer prayers and consolation, and share the difficult times", said His Holiness.

The members of Japan's Parliamentarian Group for Tibet shall serve as his hosts for the visit.

Japan has a significant Buddhist population, and His Holiness has frequently visited the country in order to address and guide his followers there.

Nevertheless, he has almost always topics of secular education and moral ethics, stating how the lack of a holistic approach, and increased importance to materialism in education are the bases of all modern problems.He mentioned that top American scientists and universities such as Wisconsin University, Stanford University and Emory University were carrying out special research in order to introduce secular ethics into modern education and urged the head of Nihon University to do the same.

The Tibetan spiritual leader conducted a detailed talk on how to attain inner peace, nurture compassion and values in adults and children, as well as patiently tending to the dilemmas of the audience with words of encouragement and wisdom. He concluded the session to thunderous applause, leaving the stricken people of Fukushima with hope and an alleviated sense of being.

Earlier in the morning, His Holiness also delivered a key note talk at Seiwa Gakuen High School in Koriyama.

After the talk in Koriyama, His Holiness left for Tokyo, wrapping up his 10 day visit to Japan and leaving his devotees with a renewed lease on life.

... Japan Support for Middle-Way Policy for Tibet ...... Continues From Front Page a better place to live. As a common citizen of this world, I would like to work for the promotion of human values.

"Secondly, as a Buddhist monk, I am working for the promotion of religious harmony. All the major religions of the world despite some differences in philosophy, they preach the same message of love, compassion, forgiveness and togetherness.

Unfortunately, we get involved in religious misunderstanding and creates disharmony. I am saying this to you because the media people have great responsibility to educate and inform the general public, you should take more initiatives in these areas to promote peace and harmony." His Holiness said.

Major questions from the journalists revolved around the repetitive selfimmolation incidents occurring in Tibet.

His Holiness clarified that He has fully devolved his political authority to the popularly elected leader of Tibetan people this March, and that Dalai Lama's institution now is spiritual only. "But this does not mean that I have resigned from

Dalai Lama.

The institution has reverted back to what it was during First to Fourth Dalai Lama in early history. I am committed to democracy. Personally, I feel that these self-immolation incidents should be viewed deeply from political, religious and philosophical point of view. Even after sixty years of Chinese rule, these incidents show the real situation in Tibet. These are desperate acts by people seeking justice and freedom.

Chinese leaderships should take this seriously and try to solve the people's grievances. They should accept the reality, reality is that there is human rights problem in Tibet, religious and cultural oppression is going on, and there is environmental destruction in Tibet. Is this liberation or occupation? Instead of my accepting my words, media people should visit Tibet and investigate the truth." Said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Amidst the cheers and standing ovation, His Holiness the Dalai Lama left the press venue. Later, in the afternoon, Japanese monks and general public and

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Makes His 11th Visit to Japan

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Koriyama, Japan: - Yesterday, (6th November) the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama made his last stop in Japan, at Koriyama in the Fukushima prefecture, an area under the risk of nuclear radiation in the aftermath of the massive earthquake that took place in March of this year.

The Dalai Lama addressed an audience of thousands at Nihon University, 100 km away from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, offering wisdom to the victims on how to overcome hardships.

He spoke about how a calm mind, selfconfidence and a realistic approach are keys to confronting Speaking to thousands of people at a packed auditorium of Nihon University in Koriyama, located about 100km off the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, His Holiness underlined that calm mind, self-confidence and realistic approach are keys to confronting tragedy.

Comparing the physical and mental being, he commented, "Your physical health can be protected if your immune system is good. But if your mental state is disturbed, then even a small problem would seem unbearable". He said that a peaceful mind brings positive

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

Tibetans flocked at the hotel to see His Holiness leave for his next journey to Mongolia.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's ten-days visit concluded successfully, everywhere he was received by the general public warmheartedly and in great respect in long rows and folded hands. His Holiness conferred Dorying [Vajradhattu] initiation to some 800 monks and general public at the most Japanese sacred pilgrimage site of Mount Koya. He interacted with Japanese and Russian scientists on the subject of religion, life and universe.

Visit to the Earthquake, tsunami and radiation affected was greatly appreciated by the public and mass media. Many people cried holding His Holiness' hand and hugging him. Talk and discussion with young school children inspired the young minds to have a greater vision beyond national boundary. His meeting with press clarified his position as Dalai Lama and total devolution of political authority to the elected leader.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is welcomed on his arrival in Osaka on October 29, 2...011, at the start of a ten day visit to Japan . Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

received a cold shoulder from Japan, and been denied personal security and meetings with high-level Japanese officials.

Japan and China have a fairly rocky relationship, but with their economic partnership being one of the strongest in the world, Japan must be careful not to antagonise Chinese sentiments in any way, even if that means being a little more than hospitable to Tibet's spiritual leader. His Holiness last visited Japan in April, following a record-breaking earthquake and tsunami that created colossal damages, death and casualties in the sea-locked country. "I wanted to visit this nation that faced such a calamity and to be a spiritual comfort, even if this may be a small act," he said.

China denounced this visit, and His Holiness' presence in Japan was snubbed by Japanese officials.

Today, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate spoke to the media during a news conference in Narita, east of Tokyo, condemning China's "ruthless policy" as the cause of the recent selfimmolations. His Holiness called on Chinese government to change its approach to ruling over the Himalayan region, reports the international media.

Only recently, the Chinese government accused the Dalai Lama of encouraging the self-immolations in Tibet, deeming

it "terrorism in disguise". This has been the first media response of the Tibetan Spiritual head to the accusations made against him.

The Dalai Lama plans to kick off his visit in Osaka with a public talk on the Heart Sutra, 'From Emptiness to Compassion' and 'The Strength to Overcome Life's Difficulties', expected to have around 6000 people in attendance. He will then visit Koyasan in Kansai district to lead discussions with scientists and young Buddhist priests. In addition, he will discuss Esoteric Buddhism with the president of the Koyasan University and conduct the Vajradhatu Mandala Initiation.

Public talks will follow in Sendai, Ishinomaki, and Koriyama in the Tohoku district. His Holiness will also visit Fukushima prefecture, where fears from nuclear radiation have not yet subsided.

The 2011 Media tour has been organized in order to cover HH's visit to Japan. "Four Tibetan journalists from Dharamshala arrived at Narita Airport in Japan safely this morning, 29th October. From Saturday afternoon onwards, they will start to cover His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 11th visit to Japan," said. said. Ms.S.Takahashi, who is a long time friend of the Tibetans and founder of Norbu Create, a Tibet support group of Japan.

Tibet's Spiritual Leader Connects Science with Spirituality in Japan

His Holiness the Dalai Lama looks on as monks from Koyasan chant before his public talk on "The Strength to Overcome Difficulties" held in Osaka, Japan, on October 30, 2011. Photo/Kimimasa Mayama

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Yesterday, Nov 3, 2011, The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama seamlessly brought science and spirituality together in a two-part discussion at the Koyasan

University. Engaging him in an expansive discussion from cellular genetics to "the truth body" (Dharmakaya), was Haruo Saji, a leadingJapan physicist along with Continues on Page 9...

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15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI INTERNATIONAL

The Tibet Post

South African MPs Raise Their Australia: Non-Violence Charter Launches Worldwide Voices for People of Tibet

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Steven Mokgalapa, member of Parliament, South Africa. Photo: File

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - On the 8th and 10th of November, South African MPs, Dr. Mario GK Oriani-Ambrosini and Mr. Steve Mokgalapa made statements to the Parliament, pledging their support towards Tibet.

An alarming spate of self-immolations in Chinese-controlled Eastern Tibet have raised serious concerns among the global community as to what exactly is transpiring in the isolated Sichuan province in order to compel young Tibetans to take such drastic steps.

Dr Mario GK Oriani-Ambrosini paid solemn tribute to 35 year old Tibetan nun, Palden Choetso, the last martyr to set herself on fire in Ngaba County this month.

"Before burning herself, she cried " Freedom in Tibet", "Long Live the Dalai Lama', " Let the Dalai Lama return to Tibet", reported Dr. Oriani-Ambrosini in his statement.

"We must join hands and voices to urge the Chinese government to stop its repressive polices and human rights violations, allow basic freedom of

religion and speech, allow independent media and international delegation of parliamentarians to travel to Tibetans areas to examine the actual situation".

His counterpart, MP Steven Mokgalapa said, "The latest spate of self-immolations by Tibetans monks in protest against the Chinese government's continued human rights abuses are a sure sign of worsening conditions under which Tibetans have to live under Chinese rule".

Mokgalapa, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance, called on the South African government to "take note of the human rights abuses in China and speak out boldly against them. As a nation that has benefited from international pressure to end apartheid, we too need to support the right to self-determination of to other states".

Late September, Mokgalapa said the government should show its political strength and maturity by not submitting to pressure from China to deny His Holiness the Dalai Lama a visa to South Africa, according to media reports.

Clinton Confronts China about Tibet Issue at APEC

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

...... Continues From Front Page alliances.

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum was convened at the East-West Centre, where Clinton extended her welcome to a "thriving China", but pressed President Hu Jintao on Beijing's iron-fisted stance on human rights issues involving Tibet and the issue of a certain blind activist, Chen.

"When we see reports of lawyers, artists and others who are detained or 'disappeared,' the United States speaks up both publicly and privately," commented Clinton at the forum, right before a scheduled meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi.

Clinton said superpower US was "alarmed by recent incidents in Tibet of young people lighting themselves on fire in desperate acts of protest, as well as the continued house arrest of the Chinese lawyer Chen Guangcheng."

The Chinese-controlled Sichuan province has seen 11 self-immolations in a span of 8 months, at least 6 of the Tibetans having succumbed to their injuries. The trend of fire has spread itself over Asia, inspiring recent self-

immolation attempts in India and Nepal by exiled Tibetans protesting against Chinese rule.

"We continue to call on China to embrace a different path", said the Secretary of State under President Obama's administration.

Even the Chinese people themselves have had to bear the brunt of Beijing's policies; one such example being Chen Guangcheng, a blind activist and selftrained lawyer from the Shangdong province of China, who has faced the wrath of the Chinese government for his advocacy of non-violent conflict resolution and an expose on forced abortion and sterilisation in China.

He spent four years in prison, and although he was released in September of last year- him and his family have since been put under house arrest. Chen has received widespread support from within and without his country, along with a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, but he continues to face harassment in the form of beatings and complete isolation from anyone who wishes to visit him.

Clinton brought up the issue of his

Melbourne: Friday 11th November, 2011 was a significant day for many people.

In many countries Armistice Day honoured those who were killed in the Great War, commemorating the day in history when war and killing ended. All over the world, people rushed to buy lottery tickets, place bets and even get married on this auspicious day. A date such as this occurrs but once per century, and many were anxious to take advantage of it to embark on new endeavors and begin a new chapter in their lives.

It was for this reason that the People's Charter to Create a Nonviolent World was launched on Friday in Australia, Germany, Ghana, Malaysia, the Philippines and the USA: 'to end violence in all its forms'; to mark the beginning of a new era for humanity, in the belief that violence can be eradicated and that the suffering of living beings can indeed be brought to an end.

Here in Melbourne, Australia the launch was organised by Mr Robert Burrowes, Ms Anahata Giri and Ms Anita McKone.

Those who spoke and provided inspiration at the event included Viv Benjamin, Karen Thompson-Anderson, Kijana Majok Piel of Sudan in Africa, John McKenna, Annie Whitlocke of the Tibetan Women's Association, Tenzin Lobsang of Tibet, Isabelle Skaburskis

of Canada, Frank Ruanjie of China, and Samah Sabawi from Gaza. Through their stories each speaker told of their experiences with violence and of their philosophies on how to end it.

Of particular note was the address given

by Mr Ruanjie, Managing Director of the Tian An Men Times and head of the Chinese Democratic Party in Australia.

Mr Ruanjie highlighted the difference between hard violence and 'soft' violence in the form of oppression and human rights abuses, and drew attention to the plight of blind dissident lawyer Chen Guangcheng, whose 40th birthday it was yesterday but who is suspected to have been killed by

Chinese authorities during his house arrest.

Speaking on the Tibetan situation was Mr Tenzin Lobsang, who explained to the audience the ongoing suffering in Tibet and the circumstances surrounding the recent tragic selfimmolation of Tibetan monks crying out for freedom. The evening was ended with a powerful performance by Tibetan musician Tenzing Yeshe, before audience members were invited to sign the Charter, all hoping and praying that it would be the beginning of something different, and that November 11 would mark the start of a new and better world for the children of future generations.

Canadian MPs Lend Their Voices in Solidarity with People of Tibet Dharamshala: - On November 2, four Canadian members of Parliament representing all four federal political parties, showed their solidarity with Tibet in an address to the Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa.

Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich-Gulf Islands, GP), Mr. Wayne Marston (Hamilton East- Stoney Creek, NDP), Hon. Irwin Cotler (Mount Royal, Lib) and Mr. Gordon Brown (Leeds Greenville, CPC) elucidated the Canadian Parliament about their concern towards Tibet, and urged that the government take more proactive measures to support the situation.

On the same day, the Canada Tibet Committee, Victoria, organized a vigil in order to honour the 11 monks who selfimmolated since March 2011, and to show their support of Tibet's religious, cultural and political freedom.

Ms. Elizabeth May said, "Canadian Tibetans are in vigil in solidarity with so many Tibetans who are experiencing maltreatment at the East-West Centre, disgruntling the Chinese representatives present with her criticism of Beijing's human rights policies.

Tensions have grown between the US and China regarding the latter's restrictive economic policies, a discordant note struck earlier this week when China labelled America's goals for the regional free trade pact as "too ambitious".

According to the international media, Clinton also raised concerns about China's alleged preference for state-run firms in procurement and the value of its currency, which critics say is kept artificially low to boost exports.

Clinton is the most prominent US official till date to publicly raise concern over Tibet.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Photo: file

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

oppression due to the Chinese government policies toward Tibet. The desperation of these people has now led to self-immolation acts, an act of desperation for anyone who understands Buddhist religion and culture. This is the sign that things have become a crisis for those in Tibet. In the words of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "We must find a peaceful way forward".

On Oct 27, the European Parliament passed an urgency resolution on Tibet, expressing its deep concern about the matter of self-immolations and the ongoing Chinese crackdown on Tibet's religious and cultural freedom. It called on China to lift restrictions and heavyhanded security measures on the monasteries in the Sichuan province of Eastern Tibet, and allow independent international media and human rights monitors to assess the situation.

Commenting on the self-immolations, Mr. Wayne Marston said "These unprecedented and truly desperate acts are a cry to the outside world for help.

China has intensified its violent crackdown in Ngaba and across Tibet.

Tibetan monasteries continue to be sacked and monks continue to be sentenced without fair trial. It is time for the government to act. From Zurich, to

San Diego, to Vancouver, to right outside our doors, people are coming together to seek justice for the people of Tibet".

He also urged that Canada work to ensure that the United Nations immediately deploy delegation to Ngaba to investigate the situation.

Hon. Irwin Cotler , in his address to the Canadian House of Commons, said "We call on the Chinese authorities to release those imprisoned simply because they exercised their right to freedom of religion and expression, to cease and desist from their assaults on the Tibetan people, and to enter into dialogue with the Tibetan leadership".

"We remain concerned about the arbitrary detention and treatment of political prisoners in Tibet and have raised the issue of Tibetans and other religious minorities in China in bilateral meetings and on the international stage, including at the United Nations General Assembly", said Mr. Gordon Brown.

"Our government takes the issue of religious freedom in China and around the world very seriously. The freedoms of religious belief and practice are at the heart of our principled foreign policy. We do not hesitate to raise such issues as part of mutually respectful, mature dialogue between our two countries and encourage substantive dialogue between Chinese leaders and religious minorities".

Each of the four speakers stood united in their plea that the Government of Canada, in alliance with world leaders, take a lead in coordinating an international response to condemn the Chinese government's repressive measures against the Tibetans. They expressed the need to open up constructive dialogue with Tibetan leadership in order to secure Tibetan rights.

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

The Tibet Post

Hundreds of Nepalese Armed Police Disrupt Global Action for Tibet

1 November 2011, this morning approximately 400 Nepalese armed police force surrounded the Tibetan Settlement camp ground in Jawalakhel, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Kathmandu, Nepal: - This morning, 1 November 2011, approximately 400 Nepalese armed police surrounded the Tibetan Settlement camp ground in Jawalakhel, Kathmandu, where hundreds of Tibetans had gathered to initiate a three-day campaign as part of the Global Action for Tibet.

The Campaign comprises solidarity actions such as a mass prayer service, fasting, writing letters in blood, Lhakar oath for Tibet, Freeze for Tibet and the shaving heads. Tibetans from all parts of Nepal including members of RTYC, Pokhara, nuns and monks and Tibetan

students from around Kathmandu had congregated at Jawalakhel to participate in this campaign.

By 4:00 am the Nepalese police had already surrounded the camp ground, blocking all exits. About 30 policemen charged into the middle of the crowd and seized all the banners, placards and Tibetan flags.

When they grabbed the portrait of the Dalai Lama bearing the words 'Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lam', some Tibetans became emotional and lunged forward to snatch it back. The Tibetans explained that the gathering was a religious expression of solidarity

responding to the events in Tibet; they said that such intrusions by the army or police in a democratic country like Nepal signifies a total disregard for freedom of religion and expression.

The armed forces men retorted that the word Tibet itself has a serious political connotation and is therefore prohibited from being used. In the frenzy, many Tibetans attempted to run past the blockade onto the streets, receiving heavy police beatings. The female Tibetans were beaten particularly brutally. A mother who had a five-month old baby on her back challenged the police to hit the baby girl also if that satisfied them. She said that this little girl is capable of also taking some hits if that is what it takes for the cause.

The location of this confrontation is approximately five minutes walking distance from the United Nations building.

At the time of sending this news, 41 females and 20 males are in jail. The President of RTYC Kathmandu, Tsewang Dolma, the General Secretary, Yeshi Dolma and some executives member of RTYC Pokra were also detained.

In recent days, members of RTYC, Kathmandu, have called upon all embassies in Nepal, particularly the embassies of G-20 countries in Nepal.

These include the UK, Finland, Germany, France, the United States, Japan, Austria, Denmark, plus the UNHCR and the European Union. TYC also submitted the TYC petition as well as presenting material evidence such as photographs, videos and a detailed chronology of events in the affected areas, in particular the Ngaba region of Eastern Tibet. TYC also met with officials at the British High Commission, the Embassy of Finland and the Indian Embassy in Nepal.

Tibetan Women Delegates Stage Ambush Meeting with Chinese Leader Lu New Delhi, India: November 3; In the light of the unprecedented acts of eleven self-immolation of young Tibetans in Tibet since 2009 (the latest reports of the 12th incidence and the 6th case of self immolation deaths) and the ensuing crackdown in Tibet, TWA's delegation comprising of president Dolkar Lhamo Kirti and Research and Media officer Dhardon Sharling - embarked on a twodays of face-to-face lobbying with Chinese and Indian leaders in the India's capital Delhi.

This morning, TWA's president managed to instigate a brief meeting with the visiting Chinese leader Lu Hao, member of 17th Communist Party of China Central Committee, Member of the Tibet Work Leading Group and secretary of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee. The southwestern corner of Gansu is home to a large Tibetan population of more than 400,000 and contains seven Tibetan counties including the autonomous county of Pari and the Kenlho Tibetan Autonomous prefecture.

Dhardon describes what occurred; "at 10:50 am, Dolkar staged an ambush encounter which interrupted a meeting between Lu and two other foreign diplomats at the lobby of Hotel Taj Mahal, while I hid behind a marble pillar witnessing the meeting and silently taking pictures from my phone camera."

Within the two minutes Dolkar quickly briefed Lu Hao on the current selfimmolation crisis in Tibet and requested that he heed to the demands of the petition titled ‘Tibetans call for Global Intervention to save Tibetan lives in

TWA’s president briefly met with Mr. Lu Hao, member of 17th Communist Party of China Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee.

Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Tibet.'

"After a formal mutual greeting ‘Nyi-Hao' (meaning hello in Chinese) and offering of khathak (white scarf), Lu listened to me for a minute, after which Lu told me that he is in India for a different purpose (an exchange programme with the International Department of the Communist Party of China) and that he is not in a position to accept the petition and the scarf" said Dolkar.

"The awe and anxiousness on Lu's face and in the gestures of the visiting Chinese delegates was palpable on seeing Dolkar dressed in Chupa, holding a khathak and a petition," said Dhardon.

Both Dolkar and Dhardon were then frisked by the hotel security staffs and asked to leave the hotel to enable Lu and his delegation to head to their meeting venue. TWA delegates later left the petition and the khathak in the hands of the Chinese Embassy staffs present at the hotel, to be passed on to Lu. According to Dolkar, "the petition included with two appendixes: 1)

Demands to the People's Republic of China and from the G-20 leaders and 2) The factsheet of the 11 self-immolation cases in Tibet since 2009, urged the Chinese leadership to end the repression in Tibet that has caused the selfimmolations inside Tibet. It also earnestly requested Lu Hao to raise these demand to Hu Jintao and for the Chinese leadership to commence meaningful negotiations Tibetan leadership in Exile during the lifetime of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in order to attempt to peacefully resolve the Tibet issue."

Lu and his 12-member delegation left Beijing on October 29 for a good will visit to three countries on an was invitation

by Indonesia's Golkar Party, India's Foreign Ministry and Pakistan People's Party. Lu arrived in Delhi on November 2 and will leave for Agra on November 4 and then head to Pakistan.

During his India visit Lu stressed to the Indian government upon the "need of strengthening bilateral relations and furthering cultural exchange programme between the two countries."

According to Dolkar, "while the year 2011 has been marked as India-China year of Exchange, ironically, the 15th round of border talks between India and China is scheduled to be held in Delhi this month and India took a decision this week to deploy 90,000 soldiers at the Indo-Chinese border."

"We have made assertive explanations to the senior Indian leaders that a ‘strong, bilateral Sino-India ties' can be achieved only if the long-standing issue of Tibet

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

5

Tibetans Continue to Protest Over 'Rockstar' Censorship

Sadda Haq; Free Tibet” Tibetan students and supporters in New Delhi, the capital of India protest rallied against the decision of censoring Tibetan Flag from ROCKSTAR, 09th November 2011. Photo: TPI

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - In response to the Indian Central Board of Film Certification's decision to delete an image of a Free Tibet flag from a scene in the upcoming film Rock Star, Tibetans across India have been staging protests, including a cycle rally and march by Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) in Delhi, the capital of India yesterday.

Speaking to the 50 Tibetan and Indian participants, and to the media, SFT Delhi chapter director Spalgon said, "Censoring such a strong message not only shows the violation of free speech...but also shows the clear sign of how the Chinese government is starting to pressurize India and playing with its largest pride - Indian democracy."

He added, "For Indians, the censoring of the flag might just be an issue of free speech. But for the Tibetans, it's an issue of identity - it's an issue of survival."

Priya Darshini, coordinator of SFT Delhi commented, "As an Indian, I personally fear India might also become like Nepal - a Chinese puppet... The Tibetan flag in the movie is not only the right of the Tibetans, but also the right which thousands of Indian supporters like me seek..."

Sonam, a participant at the rally, said, "In Tibet, we don't have human rights.

We have witnessed eleven cases of selfimmolation in the recent six months...

"While escaping from Tibet to exile in India, we always feel the generosity of India being such a huge democratic country. But the recent issue of censoring the Tibetan flag has caused havoc in the hearts of most Tibetans.

"But I am not blaming India. In fact, I request them not to be pressurized by China, and maintain their own value of democracy."

In a letter to Smt. Leela Samson, Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) president Dolkar Lhamo Kirti yesterday called on the CBFC to "rescind their decision, which is an affront to the dignity of the six million Tibetans and a shameful violation of freedom of speech and expression."

She said it is noteworthy that the decision was taken in the light of the Cinematography Act, 1952, which issues guidance that films should ensure that "friendly relations with foreign States are not strained".

"We do not see how displaying the Tibetan national flag...will threaten India's relations with China," continued President Kirti, "when the Indian Government have themselves hosted more than 100,000 Tibetans on Indian soil for the last 52 years and have not objected to the Tibetan freedom struggle.

"Should there be a film based on the Tibetan struggle in the near future, as rumours suggest, would the CBFC ban the entire film?"

"This aberrant act...also shows evidence of direct pressure from the Chinese government...We are also aware of the recent Mumbai trip of Xinjiang governor Nur Bekry, who welcomed Bollywood to China."

President Kirti concluded that the TWA is convinced the CBFC will stand up for themselves, and for the ideals they embody.

is resolved and only when India bolsters its stand on Tibet and sheds its acquiescence to China," said Dhardon.

On November 2, on the eve of the G-20 summit and coinciding with the global action; - ‘Enough! Global Intervention Now to save Tibetan Lives' - TWA delegation held meetings with senior leaders of ruling Indian National Congress: Mani Shankar Aiyar, former union cabinet minister and current chairman of Congress party's Political Training Department and the Department of Policy Planning and Coordination and Dr. Karan Singh, former ambassador to United States and UNESCO, and the present Chairman of Foreign Affairs Department of Indian Government.

Though an attempted meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi did not take place, a petition was delivered

to Sonia Gandhi through Dr. Karan Singh. A petition was also handed over to the Minister for Environment and Forests, Jayanti Natarajan at her office at CGO complex soon after she arrived from Beijing on November 3 morning.

An exclusive meeting with BJP leader Sushma Swaraj took place at her residence on November 3; as the leader of the opposition party, Sushma agreed to table the Tibet issue during the upcoming winter session of the parliament beginning November 22.

"We have urged the Indian leaders to push the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) led Government to raise the Tibet issue with the Chinese leadership at constant intervals and, importantly, to pressurize the Chinese Government to settle for meaningful negotiations with the Tibetan leadership in Exile," said Dolkar.

6

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI INSIDE TIBET

Scholar and Writer Jailed for Three Years in Tibet, Another Arrested

Second Buddhist Nun Dies in Eleventh Self-immolation in Tibet

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Tibetan writer Mr. Jolep Dawa and Mr. Choepa Lugyal Aka Meche from Amdho region, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI/File

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The Chinese clampdown on the the Tibetan intellectual diaspora continues to gather momentum. Chinese authorities in Eastern Tibet (Ch: Sichuan province) have sentenced a Tibetan schoolteacher and writer to a three-year jail term on unknown charges, according to Tibetan sources.

Jolep Dawa, 39, was handed his sentence by a court in Barkham (in Chinese, Ma’erkang) county in Ngaba (in Chinese, Aba) prefecture, said Indiabased monks Kanyag Tsering and Lobsang Yeshe, citing sources in Tibet.

“There was no clear reason for his arrest,” Tsering and Yeshe said. Karze and Ngaba county of Eastern Tibet have been the focal points of a string of self immolations and protests by Tibetans campaigning against Chinese rule.

Dawa—editor of the Tibetan-language magazine Durab Kyi Nga (I, of this Century) and an organizer of Tibetan cultural conferences—was detained in the provincial capital Chengdu on Oct. 1 last year and had been held since that time, they said.

“Just a few days ago, Mr. Dawa was allowed to see his wife and children for a very short time. But they were not allowed to speak to each other,” added Yeshe from the India-based Kirti monastery.

Several years ago, Dawa was detained for one month because of his involvement in a mass campaign to end the use of animal fur on Tibetan clothing.

On March 16, 2008, he was again detained for three months, said the Kirti monks.

“His wife managed a book and CD rental and retail store called Lhamo Lhatso Music Shop. They have two children.

After he was detained last year, Chinese police raided his store and confiscated Dawa’s laptop computer and diary and some of his literary works,” they further added.

A prominent young Tibetan writer and political analyst Meche (The Flame) was arrested from his home by authorities on unspecified ground last week, according to a trusted source inside Tibet. Meche, who is known for his prolific writing and insightful political commentary, works for Kansu People Publishing House, according to Tibetan writer, Woeser's personal blog.

Choepa Lugyal Aka Meche was arrested from his hometown of Yatsi County, eastern Tibet on October 19 when he was home with his wife. The source, who requested anonymity, said

authorities didn’t cite any reasons for the sudden arrest. They thoroughly searched and ransacked his house, confiscating his personal computer and a banned copy of the Tibetan literary book “Shar-dungri".

Last month, Another Tibetan writer was sentenced to four years in jail after helping edit a magazine that read critically of Chinese policy in the restive region. Tashi Rabten, an editor of the banned magazine, 'Eastern Conch Mountain', was sentenced on June 2 by a court in Karze, eastern Tibet (Ch: Aba prefecture). Copies of the banned journal were among a number of unauthorised books and publications confiscated from students and burned by Chinese authorities.

China's systematic repression and tyrannical rule in Tibet- by way of stationing officials in the monasteries, cutting off internet access, mobile and public telephone lines, installing surveillance cameras and military checkpoints everywhere- has driven Tibetans to breaking point.

A popular young Tibetan singer Choegon - also known as "Little Kunga" after a famous Tibetan singer - has been arrested by Chinese police.

The arrest is suspected to have occurred on 25 September 2011.

Choegon, 19, a popular singer amongst Tibetans, was invited to a music concert in Tibet's capital, Lhasa. During the journey to Lhasa, Choegon is reported to have been arrested by Chinese police. Choegon, from Jomda county in East Tibet, is a famous figure in the Tibetan music scene. The reasons for his arrest remain unclear although it is thought that Chinese authorities may believe Choegon to be pushing a pro-Tibetan political agenda through his music.

Just yesterday, in an address to the prestigious Doon School, His Holiness the Dalai Lama commented, "We don't want a separate Tibet. We want meaningful autonomy only in order to preserve our culture, language and religion", in an allusion to the Chinese clampdown on Tibetan culture and religion.

The situation in Ngaba county remains highly tense. A large number of armed military personnel and police have been deployed in Ngaba town and the area surrounding the Kirti monastery.

Many governments, including the US have urged China to allow both journalists and diplomats to observe the situation in conflict-ridden Eastern Tibet.

The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - A Buddhist nun died after setting herself on fire in Tawu county, Karze, eastern Tibet on Thursday, to protest against Chinese government, a latest report said. She is the 11th Tibetan to set herself on fire in a wave of self-immolation that has taken place since march.

"Palden Choetso also known as Choesang, a 34-year-old Buddhist nun from Dragkar Choeling Nunnery, Tawu county, eastern Tibet, staged a selfimmolation protest today at 12.pm in the same area where a Tibetan monk, Phuntsok Norbu has self-immolated." said the report.

"She shouted ''Freedom in Tibet,'' ''Long live H.H the Dalai Lama,'' and ''Let the Dalai Lama return to Tibet'' before she self-immolated near Namgyal Choeten, a huge stupa in Tawu County." Choetso is also the second Tibetan woman from the eastern region of Tibet to selfimmolate in protest against Chinese atrocities against the Tibetan people

Palden Choetso at her nunnery (file photo)

inside occupied Tibet.

Sources said, she has succumbed while committing the self-less act and her body was taken away to nearby Nyatso monastery by the witnesses. It is also reported that Chinese security forces have already surrounded the monastery in an attempt to suppress the

information.

"Shortly after the self-immolation, many police and armed military personals arrived, placing heavy restrictions on the area around Nyatso monastery," it added. The current situation in Tawu town remained tense, with raising fears of clashes between Tibetans and armed Chinese troops.

Choetso is from Drocho dzong in Kham Tawu. Her father's name is Joney and her mother's name is Kolen. A total of eleven Tibetans have self-immolated within Tibet in protest against Chinese rule and continued repression in the Himalayan region.

A Global campaign started from November 2nd, labeled 'Enough!', including mass prayers, rallies and candlelight vigils, are currently organised by thousands of Tibetans and supporters in over 60 countries worldwide, in a fierce empathy and solidarity with the people of Tibet who have long suffered under the brutal fist of a Communist Chinese regime.

Thousands Gather in Grief and Protest in Tawu, Eastern Tibet

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - On Sunday, around 10,000 Tibetans gathered at Tawu county of eastern Tibet to protest against the Chinese clampdown on cultural and religious freedom in Eastern Tibet and honour the 35 year old nun who self-immolated there on Thursday. Palden Choetso has become part of an alarming statistic of Tibetans who have set themselves on fire in an act of protest against Chinese oppression. Since March, there have been 11 self-immolations in the severely suppressed region of Eastern Tibet, 6 of whom succumbed to their injuries.

Tibetans from all across the eastern province- Dranggo, Lithang, Sertha, and Kardze -convened at the Tawu Nyitso monastery to pay their respects to the deceased nun. About a 1000 monks and nuns also conducted a prayer session in her honour, reported Tawu Lobsang Jinpa, a former political prisoner from Tawu, currently in exile

Palden Choetso, Tawo county, Karze, eastern Tibet, the latest photo was taken in 1998. Photo: TPI/File

in India.

Talking to Students for a Free TibetIndia, he said, "The streets are crawling with Chinese security personnel. A cinema hall near the monastery has been turned into an army base housing up to 2,000 troops. The whole town is under siege".

"The Chinese government has turned all of Tibet into a war zone," seconded Tenzin Dorjee, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet. "Global leaders must take multilateral action

now to intervene in what is nothing less than a humanitarian crisis in Tibet."

Those who committed self-immolation shouted slogans of 'Free Tibet' or 'Long Live the Dalai Lama' while being consumed by fire. The Tibetan spiritual leader has been living in exile in Dharamshala since the failed Tibetan uprising in 1959, and was recently accused by the Chinese government of encouraging the self-immolations, acts of "terrorism in disguise".

His Holiness has since issued statements to the press that he is deeply saddened by these drastic acts, but that they are a result of China's "ruthless, illogical" policies.

Calls made by the media to government officials in Tawu have gone unanswered. The international media reports that residents in the area contacted by phone claimed not to see any gathering or unusual police presence.

The Chinese Take Two More Political Prisoners in Ngaba, Tibet ...... Continues From Front Page

and their whereabouts, nor did they state the reasons for the arrests.

The Tibet Post International spoke with two monks, Kanyak Tsering and Lobsang Yeshe of the Kirti monastery in Dharamshala, regarding the arrest of the Lobe and Yonten. They reported that many armed military troops and policemen dressed as civilians have been deployed in Ngaba County. Over 200 Chinese officials have laid siege to the Kirti monastery in the Sichuan province of Tibet, exercising control over the prayers, schedules and daily lives of the monks.

"Chinese officials have been paying house visits to farmers and nomads in the county, insisting that all children below 18 years should be enrolled into Chinese schools. Any children already in Tibetan monasteries are forced to drop

out and put in Chinese institutions as per their demands", Tsering told the The Tibet Post.

"If the families refuse to comply, they are made to pay a fine of 3000 yen for each child studying in a Tibetan institution".

In September, the international media reported the death of a monk, Yeshe Tenzin, in the Nagchu prefecture of Eastern Tibet, having suffered beatings and hard labor during his 10-year prison sentence for campaigning for freedom.

As of September 1, 2010, there were around 824 Tibetan political or religious prisoners, according to the U.S. Congressional Executive Commission on China's Political Prisoner Database, most of whom suffered extrajudicial punishments such as beatings and food, water and sleep deprivation for long

periods of time News of his death comes amid a U.S. State Department report that many of the Tibetan monks and nuns under detention are subjected to extrajudicial punishments, such as beatings and deprivation of food, water, and sleep for long periods.

The Chinese are striving towards the complete isolation of the Sichuan province, a region bloodied by 10 selfimmolations, the last of which took place on November 6 by a 35 year old of Tawu Nyatso monastery, who later succumbed to her injuries. Limited access to information and the cordoning off the Sichuan province by Chinese authorities has made it hard to ascertain how many Tibetan political prisoners have been detained till date.

TPI HUMAN RIGHTS

The Tibet Post

Australian Greens' Resolution on Tibet Condemns Beijing’s Repression

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

7

Human Rights Groups Issue Joint Letter to President Hu Jintao

By The Tibet Post International

Greens' spokesperson for Tibet, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young with the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia. Photo: TPI/file

By The Tibet Post International

Canberra, Australia: The Australian Greens at their national conference on Sunday (6th November) responded to the plight of Tibet by passing a resolution that recognised selfdetermination for Tibetan peoples and condemned the ongoing repression of Tibetans by the Chinese government.

"The old parties may go on ignoring Tibetan people, but the Greens are again using their voices to highlight Tibetan peoples' rights to their traditional homelands and to spiritual and political expression," Greens' spokesperson for Tibet, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said today.

"Last weekend our party members agreed to keep vigilant about the ongoing problems in Tibet and surrounding areas where four monks and a nun have died by self-immolation in recent months.

"Since March this year at least 11 Tibetans have taken the desperate course of setting themselves alight to highlight continued human rights abuses.

"Despite many parliamentarians paying lip-service to the cause of Tibet, the government and Coalition banded together to vote down my motion in the

Senate on October 31. In doing so they missed an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the deteriorating human rights conditions and oppression in Tibet and to remind the Chinese government that the world is watching its repressive measures.

"The Australian Greens will continue working towards an end to the plundering of Tibet's natural resources and political recognition of Tibetans' own elected representatives. Unlike the old parties, the Greens are not afraid to stand up for what's right."

Full wording of the motion accepted by consensus at the Australian Greens' national conference is as follows: That the Australian Greens recognise the rights of the Tibetan peoples over their traditional homelands and their rights to self determination including cultural and spiritual expression. We recognise their elected representatives.

Further we condemn the plundering of Tibet's natural resources and destruction of Tibetan cultures by the Chinese Government. This conference calls on the government of China to end the repression in Tibet and heed the call of the Tibetans for restoration of their rights and freedom

London, UK: - Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have jointly forwarded an open letter to the President of the People's Republic of China, Mr Hu Jintao, on the spate of self-immolation protests that have taken place in eastern Tibet this year.

(Read The Open Letter) The Chinese government must address the underlying causes of protests that have led 11 Tibetans to set themselves on fire since March, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today.

The two human rights organisations have called on the Chinese government to carry out a comprehensive review of the human rights situation across Tibet and to end legal and political restrictions that breach human rights in the region.

"The Chinese government must put an end to repressive policies that infringe on the fundamental freedoms of ethnic Tibetans," said Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's secretary general. "The Chinese authorities have not heeded the demands of Tibetans, but have instead resorted to heavy-handed tactics that can only deepen and further fuel resentments. They must respect the right of Tibetans to practice their religion and to enjoy their culture."

In total, eleven Tibetans, including monks, former monks and two nuns, have self -immolated this year out of desperation, calling for "Freedom" and "the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet". Six of them are believed to have passed away, the most recent being Palden Choetso, a 35 year old nun from Tawu nunnery, who selfimmolated on 3 November.

The letter urged the Chinese government to reveal the whereabouts of everyone who has been been arrested and detained, including those who set themselves on fire and taken away by the Police and stop the forced political indoctrination of monks and

Dr. Sangay On The Self-Immolations: "Sacred Duty to Show Support" ...... Continues From Front Page November about his views on the selfimmolations, a brave yet worrisome brand of protest that has gained popularity amongst Tibetans struggling against Chinese rule.

Tibet's new, Harvard-educated political leader said that although he was not encouraging Tibetans to burn themselves to death, it was his sacred duty to show support for the men and women who have chosen to take drastic steps.

The 11 instances of self-immolation all took place in the Sichuan province of Tibet, an area rife with prominent Tibetan monasteries that have been smothered by what the Dalai Lama calls "cultural genocide". Around 2000 Chinese officials have taken seige of Kirti monastery, the scene of a large number of the selfimmolations. Heavy-handed security measures and interference in the monasteries has prevented monks from freely practicing their religion, subsquently leading them commit the

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

desperate act of self-immolation.

The information blockade imposed by the Chinese within Eastern Tibet has isolated it from the outside world.

Sangay said an increased Chinese military presence around monasteries was ‘undeclared martial law'.

"Once a protest takes place it becomes our sacred duty to show solidarity and support, support for the voice that they raise, so the life that they sacrifice or the torture that they endure do not go in vain," Sangay told the international media. "My duty as a political leader is to echo or if possible magnify these voices, with sadness and pain obviously".

China still claims that Tibetans in the Sichuan province are free to practice their religion. They have publicly accused Tibet's spiritual leader of abetting the self-immolations, deeming them acts of "terrorism in disguise". But the truth of the matter is that the Tibetans are harming no one but

themselves.

On Wednesday, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Lama in Exile, one of the senior-most monks of the Tibetan Buddhist heirarchy, appealed to Tibetans to preserve their lives and stop resorting to the act of self-immolation.

Sangay echoed his sentiment, saying "We want Tibetan people to live, we want Tibetan people to lead, definitely.

But... the motivation is for Tibet and for Tibetan people and their intention is also very clear, not to harm anyone," he said.

Dr. Sangay is the first democratically elected leader of the Tibetan people after His Holiness the Dalai Lama retired his role as political head of Tibet. Dr. Sangay reiterated that he and His Holiness the Dalai Lama are not seeking Tibet's independence from China, only meaningful autonomy for their homeland. He said China's increasingly heavy-handed rule after six decades of occupation was to blame for the monk suicides.

Tibetans in Boston, US gathering to protest against Chinese government's worng policy toward Tibetan people inside Tibet, 2nd November 2011. Photo: TPI

nuns as part of the Chinese government's patriotic education policy.

The human rights organisations have also called on the Chinese government

to reduce the heavy security presence in Tibetan areas and respect the Tibetan people's right to freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

Samye Village Adopted with an Official Ceremony in France

Plaque in front of the Town Hall showing the adoption of Samye. Mayor Questel, Deputy Loncle and members of TibetNormandie. Photo: Tibet Net

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Paris,France: An official ceremony adopting the village of Samye was held on 29th October in the courtyard of the Town Hall of the municipality of Bougtheroulde, a small town in Haute Normandie region of France, in the presence of the Mayor of the town Mr Bruno Questel, Mr. Francois Loncle, a member of French National Assembly and the Secretary of the Tibetan

Parliamentary Group and Mr. Tsering Dhondup, Secretary of Bureau du Tibet, Paris.

Since last year when the campaign was launched by the Association FranceTibet, 43 towns and municipalities, four of them in the last month alone, have agreed to adopt a Tibet village or town as a gesture of their support to the peaceful struggle of the Tibetan people as well as to help preserve the identity of the Tibetan places, which is undergoing systematic assimilation and sinisization in Tibet, according to the campaigners.

In Bougtheroulde, it is the Association Tibet-Normandie, a local Tibet support group, which had pushed for this successful bid in the local municipality council.

The ceremony was addressed by the Mayor Mr. Questel, National Assembly Deputy Mr. Loncle, President of Tibet-Normandie Mr. Thiery Huyghe and Secretary of Bureau du Tibet, Paris.

25th Anniversary of World Day of Prayer for Peace in Italy ...... Continues From Front Page pilgrim to Assisi, the city of St. Francis.

The invited inter-faith delegation on 27 October morning travelled on the Pope's train from Vatican Train Station to Assisi.

On arriving at Assisi, the delegation gathered at Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels near the railway station.

Prior to entering the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche and other heads of delegations were introduced to the Pope Benedict.

After words of welcome, a memorial video showed the opening of the 1986's first historic meeting. The video showed a photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and later a short clip of His Holiness saying praying at Assisi 25

years ago. This was followed by short addresses by some religious leaders.

The main theme of the day was on reflection, dialogue and prayer for justice and peace in the world.

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche again briefly met with Pope Benedict on 28 October morning in the Clementina hall at the Vatican during the delegation's audience with the Pope.

This was followed by an official luncheon hosted by the Vatican's Secretary of State. Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche was seated in the main table.

The Tibetan delegation included Mr. Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative in Geneva and Mr. Tenzin Losel. A total of over 280 delegates attend the interfaith meeting.

8

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI ARTS & CULTURE

Tibetan Author Launches Second Book 'Ghost Writer' in Exile

Gedun Tsering, author of the Ghost Writer with the team of The Tibet Post International and its main office in Dharamshala, India, 24th November 2011. Photo: TPI

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - It has almost been a year since Gendun Tsering, a 24 year old environmental activist and writer, fled from his motherland and staggered through the Himalayas to India, the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-exile.

Last year, the Chinese government arrested 5 Tibetan writers for being linked to "banned" writings and "antigovernment "writing. Gendun, originally from the Tibetan town of Serdeu and a monk of the Rongtha monastery in Khyungchu County, escaped to India upon being threatened by the Chinese authorities for writing an inflammatory article in a Tibetan cultural magazine.

A close friend of Gendun's, Tsering Dhondup, was arrested for acting as an accessory, helping Gendun publish his first two pieces of writing Tears and Alive Eye (‘Migchu' and ‘Sonmig'), which included a collection of articles that shone light on the horrible realities inside Tibet.

In 2009 Gendun Tsering himself nearly 3 months in prison in the province of Kham. It was during this time that he

began journaling and coming up with ideas for his writing.

‘Ghost-Fire", as Gendun has been nicknamed, sat down to give the Tibet Post a heartfelt account of his hardships and illustrate the story and sentiments behind his latest book, "Ghost Writer".

"Ghost Writer" is a book about the four stages of a fugitive's journey, a written account of Gendun Tsering's escape to India through the cold, intimidating terrain of the Indo-Tibetan Himalayas.

The four chapters are entitled- Struggle, Parting, Travel and Love.

In his first chapter, Tsering illustrated the struggles of living as a refugee, and how he felt it his obligation and birthright to stand up for his country, and uphold the truths of Tibet. In Parting, he expresses his grief at having to leave his family, his friends and his motherland. He explains the conflict of not wanting to part with them, but at the same time, not wanting to "die under the soles of their (China's) feet".

The third chapter, ‘Travel' paints a picture of the road out of Tibet, lined

with police, soldiers and checkpoints and how his people shuddered to take this road, because too many that took it never returned.

In the last chapter, Tsering writes about love being an integral and sacred part of his life, that he would never misuse it or consider it a "game" or recreation. He says that he wishes that one might use their life to preserve love, and that he might have the strength to do the same.

"Ghost-Writer" began as a diary, written

by Tsering during his journey through the Himalayas to India. When he arrived in Dharamshala, he secured the support of Pen International, through Reporters Without Borders and The Tibet Post, and published the book. Copies were distributed in monasteries, schools and universities in 4 main (Chinese) provinces in Tibet. He also distributed copies to TCV schools, including Suja School, in Dharamshala. Anyone interested in buying the book can contact the Tibet Post or the Suja School.

At the moment, Tsering is completing his studies in the Suja School, while also having completed his third book, entitled "Ghost Truth". He describes it as a creative representation of the people and the world in which he was born. Due to a variety of financial and time restraints, he has not yet been able to publish it, but implores that Tibetan readers inside and outside Tibet support his endeavors.

Gendung Tsering is one of numerous examples of the Chinese crackdown on Tibetan culture and the resilience of Tibetan spirit despite it. In an earlier interview with the Tibet Post, he spoke about the issue of freedom of expression in Tibet, saying, "We are free to write about anything except for issues of national or political character.

When it comes to those issues we are not able to write the truth in any form be it newspapers, blogs or elsewhere.

We have no freedom in that regard."

He also added "In Tibet we have many problems, but I think only about 30% of those problems gets across the border to reach the international news."

Preserving Unique Culture, Tibetan Education Flourishes in UK

TIBETAN SCHOOL IN LONDON, THE CAPITAL OF UK. PHOTO: TPI

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London- The education of Tibetan children in exile is of paramount importance to the Tibet cause. Many would deem that teaching children about their homeland, most of whom have never even seen Tibet would be difficult. However, as a shining beacon of hope, the Tibetan community in Woolwich, London (UK) have proved otherwise.

‘Tashiling Tibetan Children's School,

Woolwich' is an education programme run by the Tibetan community in East London, which number at around 100.

A growing concern faced by parents in the community, and indeed globally for the Tibetan diaspora, was that Tibetan children were growing up knowing little about their country's rich culture, and particularly its unique language. The community in Woolwich discussed the

issue, and on August 13th 2011, set up the first classes for the Tashiling Tibetan Children's School.

The school has proved an inspiring success.

The students, which number at least twenty, have lessons on Saturdays attentively. As a reminder and practice of Tibetan culture, the students wear traditional Tibetan chupas; silk garments which outmatch any generic British school uniform. Upon a visit to the school, I was stuck by the genuine alert attentiveness and hard work of both students and staff. The importance of learning the Tibetan language was genuine and heartfelt.

Local community member Tendak; owner of ‘Kailash Momo Restaurant'; a community hub and gathering point for Tibetans alike, stressed the unity of Tibetans across the UK, not merely those in Woolwich, London. He highlighted that the school was not an exclusion of Tibetans in other parts of the country, merely an important tool for the Tibetan culture in exile.

Over a wonderful Tibetan dish at his restaurant, he also added the strengths of the ‘Tashiling' community; how by working together democratically and

The Tibet Post

Folk Music Soars in Exile: A Dedication to the People of Tibet

Tibetan folk music in London, very talented performers participated in the event which being held in London, UK, on 31st October 2011. Photo: TPI/Sam

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London: The soaring melodies of Tibetan folk music have blessed not just the ears of those living in the land of snows. The Tibetan community in exile based in London have been fortunate enough to enjoy the rich vocals and melodic harmonies of Tibetan musicians, with performances by a trio of Tibetan performers, who have all come from Eastern Tibet's Amdo region.

Thrinley, Ngawang and Pasang all currently reside in London, and despite the cultural differences, and geographical distance, have managed to bring a little bit of Tibet into the hearts and lives of those also living in exile.

During a hugely successful Tibetan Nomad Benefit concert in East London's Charlton, the trio performed three pitch perfect songs to a rapt audience.

The songs are composed by Thrinley, a London-based Tibetan, and their music is dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for a free Tibet, and for the return of the Dalai Lama to his homeland.

In Tibet, due to the rule of Chinese law which bans the use of naming His Holiness the Dalai Lama or speaking of such religious notions, the Tibetan people have found they cannot sing about their revered spiritual leader without breaking the oppressive law. To do so would incur severe punishment.

Ingeniously however, some Tibetans sidestep this by using different words for His Holiness, or when singing about banned topics. Often words such as ‘The Sun', or ‘moon' are used instead to avoid persecution; a subtle and clever

method of expressing adoration for His Holiness, or for fellow Tibetans who have suffered.

Although at the time of listening I could not understand the lyrics, when the three musicians began to play and sing, I was truly amazed at the beauty and simplicity of the songs: "Heroes and Brethren's The white scarf in my hands I offer it to you today This will give you a light of peace" Simultaneously beautiful and strong, the ancient folk sound of the music reverberated across the packed socialhall, and I almost felt transported to Tibet itself.

"Heroes and Brethren's The feeble song of my heart I offer to you today From behind snow mountains This will bring Tibetans together" The use of the traditional Tibetan instrument, the DraNyenwas played superbly by Ngawang of the trio, and gave a wonderful dimension to his soaring vocals.

Ngawang also performed at two other successful events over the course of the week; bringing a little bit of Tibet to both SOAS University London, and to the 26th anniversary celebrations of the Tibet Foundation Charity event two days later, to great success.

The beautiful sounds of the land of snows managed to reach the furthest corners of the globe, inspiring the minds of its listeners, and, if you listened closely enough, revealing the truths of their plight.

openly Tibetans are helping each other, both inside and outside of their homeland.

Both the success of Kailash Momo Restaurant and the new school project, proved two examples of creating Tibetan culture in exile to flourishing success.

In an interview for the TPI, designated school teacher Tashi highlighted the basic aims of the education programme.

‘We teach the children the Tibetan language mostly. Some of the children are very young, we have the basics; ABCs. There are two classes, for the younger students basic Tibetan, and the older students [who are at least ten years old]'.

Pupils listen to Tashi attentively, and he corrects and guides them through the language. Despite required five-day lesson at school for British students, it is encouraging to see Tibetan students so attentive on Saturday morning, a day

which most of their classmates have off as a weekend.

Staff helpers, usually parents of the children, also assist in the classes, guiding and teaching the children to listen carefully.

The importance of the new school is highlighted by local Tibetan community leader, Ugyen Norbu, who recounted: This school is very important. We are in danger of losing our language and culture unless something is done'.

Within three short months the Tashiling School has already grown, thanks to the work of the small society. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is due to visit the United Kingdom in the summer of 2012. The motives and hard work of this strong Tibetan community in London are sure to impress and delight him beyond expectation, and are an example the Tibetans globally.

TPI THE DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post

Find Reincarnations of Mao, Deng: His Holiness the Dalai Lama

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

9

His Holiness The Dalai Lama Arrives In Mongolia For A Three-Day Tour

By The Tibet Post International

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks to the media during a news conference at a hotel in Narita, east of Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011. The Dalai Lama, Buddhism's spiritual leader, arrived in Tokyo on Saturday where he is scheduled to greet victims of Japan's 9.0 magnitude earthquake which set off a giant tsunami that left about 20,000 people dead or missing. Photo: AP

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - Taking a jibe at the communist state of China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that instead of questioning Tibetan traditions, it should think of finding reincarnations of its leaders Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

"The Communist government does not believe in religion... But they want to conduct finding of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation.

"The Dalai Lama is not political now. If they really care, first they should believe in religion. It would be better if they think of finding the reincarnations of Mao and Deng Xiaoping," the Nobel Peace Prize winner told reporters on reaching Japan Saturday.

On the question of change in Chinese leadership next year, he said: "My personal view is that when (Chinese president) Hu Jintao took over, many expected positive changes... But 10 years have passed, you

know better whether there is harmony in China or not now.

"The goal of harmonious society is good, but the method being employed is wrong.

Harmony must come from heart, the key factor is trust. But trust and fear cannot go together. So, it is too early to say that the next leadership will bring big change," he said.

The 76-year-old exiled leader, who still desires to return to Tibet some day, expressed concern over ongoing selfimmolation protests by monks in Tibet.

"It is a sign of deep desperation. Chinese leaders need to look into these incidents more seriously. Ruthlessness only will not be good for all," he said.

The Buddhist monk, known for his trademark maroon robes, will visit areas affected by the March earthquake and tsunami, offer prayers and meet the survivors.

Connects Science with Spirituality in Japan

Ulan Batar, Mongolia: After successfully concluding nearly two week series of Buddhist teachings in Japan, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in the Mongolian capital on Monday (7th November) for a three-day lecture and teaching tour at a invitation of a Buddhist followers.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received at the airport by the chief abbot of the Gaden Theckchen Choeling monastery and other officials of the monastery. Mongolia is a majority Buddhist country with strong traditional ties to Tibet. Thousands of people have turned out to greet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his every visit to Mongolia since 2006.

Gaden Theckchen Choeling monastery houses more than 1000 monks and it has many smaller branches all across Mongolia. More than 400 monks from the monastery is currently studying at the Drepung Gomang and Sera Jey monastery in South India.

The chief administrator of the Kalmyk Buddhist Association, Telo Rinpoche, stated that the main purpose of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia this time is to give a teaching on "In Praise of Dependent Origination"(Tendrel- Toepa) and "the three principles paths of liberation" (Lam-tso nam sum). He also stated that His Holiness will addressing a group of university students at Ulan Batar.

China on Tuesday expressed its routine disappointment at Mongolia for allowing His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit. "We have always opposed any country providing a platform for the Dalai Lama to engage in activities to split China in any form," Chinese

His Holiness the Dalai Lama walks out amongst security personnel as he leaves the Central Cultural Palace of Ulan Bator after giving a lecture for Mongolian students in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011. Photo: TPI

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular press briefing on Tuesday.

However, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's planned talk on Tuesday at the Mongolian capital's Buyant-Ukhaa sports complex. Ven. Choijamtsa, the head monk at Mongolia's GandanTegchilen monastery, which is organising the visit, told Reuters that organisers remained determined to go ahead with the planned lectures. "This is Mongolian territory and Mongolian property and we are going to do it even if others oppose it," he said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama had recently made his views toward China clear as well. His Holiness criticized China's "ruthless policy" for the recent crisis in eastern regions of Tibet, where at least 11 Tibetans, including two Buddhist nuns set themselves on fire in protest of Chinese repression.

Later Tuesday, the Buddhist followers touched the chair on which he sat to deliver his speech, which focused on

education of the new generations of Mongolia. His Holiness spoke in Tibetan as the faithful thousands listened quietly to the Mongolian translation. At one point, His Holiness raised his hand and hundreds of others shot up to wave in response.

"I am really happy that I came here because if I can see him, everything will be good. Because he is the compassion Buddha, my wishes will come true. I came to see him last time that he came in 2006," said one elderly woman straining to catch a glimpse. "I am so happy he has come. People have come to receive blessings from His Holiness.

They have come even from the countryside. This is a great occasion for us," said another onlooker.

"Because we are Buddhists, we believe that when we see His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we have seen a living Buddha.

That brings peace and joy in our minds," said Munkhochir, 21, a monk at a monastery in Ulaanbaatar.

...... Continues From Page 3 Natalia Polouliakh, Associate Researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories and Kenichiro Mogi, a Japanese brain scientist. All three are engrossed in revolutionary research in the field of science.

The three persons of science were highly inspired by the Tibetan Spiritual Leader's keen insights in connecting modern science with the science of Buddhism. Echoing the cause-effect cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, the Dalai Lama explained that without interdependency, the nature of time cannot be pinpointed, reports Phayul.

"If we introspect, time has no independent identity. Past is memory, the future is yet to come, therefore the present is very, very important", His Holiness imparted.

Natalia Polouliakh, expressing her surprise at the congruence between Buddhist science and biology, told Tibetan reporters, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama's talk helped me in connecting the dots that our feelings of happiness or anger and directly related to our heath".

In the second session, the Dalai Lama held a discussion with minds of an opposite orientation- some of the most learned Buddhist teachers at Koyasan university, who preserve and propagate the tradition of age-old Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Having already drawn parallels to science, the audience benefited from a more acute

understanding of religious philosophies.

After completing the discussion, His Holiness met the President and his faculty at Koyasan University, and suggested that they set up an extensive joint programme where Tibetans from India and professors from the university could come together to conduct comparative studies of Japanese and Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.

He expressed the importance of sustaining the culture and tradition of Buddhism in the modern world, interjecting that it is the preservation of this knowledge that has kept the hope and spirit alive amongst six decades of Tibetans- under Chinese repression and exiled, alike.

Despite Chinese repression, the Tibetan Spiritual Head in exile places a large amount of importance in China's billions in building a "happy world".

In his opinion, "By building healthy, Buddhist countries we can build a healthy Asia and a healthy Asia will lead to a healthy and happy world".

Leaving a thoroughly impressed audience at Koyasan, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his gratitude at the "genuine love, kindness and compassion" that he had received from them over his 3 days in Koyasan, concluding with the promise to return.

Tomorrow, His Holiness is scheduled to visit the tsunami-ravaged area of Sendai to offer his prayers and condolences to the affected persons.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Thanks Japan's Concern for Tibet Issue

Members of audience listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's public talk on essential points to consider in overcoming unfavorable situation, in Sendai, one the areas worst hit by the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011. Photo: Tibet Net

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Sendai, Japan: Interacting with the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the latter's public talk in earthquake-hit Sendai on overcoming unfavourable situation, a Japanese university professor Saturday (5th November) voiced strong support for Tibet, saying "we have to stand up for free Tibet".

The professor from the earthquake and tsunami affected Miyako prefecture asked His Holiness what the latter could do to stop the Chinese government's repression in Tibet.

His Holiness said: "I look to Tibet from various aspects. The first is from the immense human rights violations in Tibet. For the last more than 50 - 60 years, there has been serious danger to Tibetan culture, language, religion and environment. More than 99 per cent of Tibetans, including senior party members, have lots of resentment deep inside their heart."

"The Tibetan culture is a culture of peace, compassion and non-violence.

So it is worthwhile to preserve this culture," he said.

He further said, "Buddhism is the most profound tradition of ancient Indian Nalanda tradition which we have kept alive. It is one of the treasures of the world. Many top scientists are showing genuine interest in Buddhist science."

"Major rivers in Asia originates from the Tibetan plateau. Some ecologists,

including Chinese, described Tibet as the third pole, which is of equal importance like the north and south poles," he said.

"Therefore, Tibetans born in Tibet are in a better position to preserve their culture, language and ecology. The Tibetan people should have the full authority and final say in the preservation of their unique cultural heritage and ecology," he said.

He reaffirmed that the Tibetan side is trying to achieve meaningful autonomy under the framework of the Chinese constitution.

"We appreciate your genuine concern on the issue of Tibet. Japan as a democratic country should have more concern for the Tibetan cause," His Holiness told the Japanese professor.

His Holiness further said, "My whole life was spent in observing events in China since my childhood. Today's China has much changed as compared to 40-50 years before. Prime minister Wen Jiabao has publicly stated that China needs more political reform and western style democracy."

10

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

The Tibet Post

The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Asks Tibetan Parliament Speaker, Penpa Tsering Tibetans to Preserve Their Lives Leaves For Italy

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in-Exile, Mr Penpa Tsering. Photo: TPI/File

By Tibetan Administration Official Media.

Tibet Net

Dharamshala: Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament -in-Exile, Mr Penpa Tsering left for Italy on an official tour to attend a conference on "Democracy Promotion and Human Rights" in Rome.

The Conference is organised by Italian

MP Gianni Vernetti's organisation, Alliance of Democrats and will be held for two days from 10 to 11 November.

The conference will be attended by various people from all walks of life including political leaders, democratic activists, policy makers and intellectuals.

Tibet’s Global Day of Action: London, Capital City of UK

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

...... Continues From Front Page Street to produce a powerful message with the symbolism of Tibetans being supressed by Chinese authorities. Ten demonstrators dressed with banners and robes stood as the icons of the 10 self-immolated Tibetans calling for freedom from their homeland.

Simultaneously, demonstrators dressed as Chinese security forces acted out a sequence of beating and oppression in front of the crowd of spectators.

Outlines of chalked Tibetans, part of the ‘Chalk Tibet Movement', a movement that has been sweeping the streets of Europe and America lately, lay graphically below the demonstrators as cold reminders of the self-immolated Tibetans who have either died as a result of their immolation or been reported ‘missing'

by Chinese authorities (as of November 2nd).

Following the demonstration outside Downing Street, a number of demonstrator and activists took to the busy streets to create more ‘chalk Tibet' outlines throughout the city.

The National Gallery and Piccadilly Circus were among a number of locations that witnessed the headturning phenomenon, and lines of ten chalked bodies were etched in lines across the streets leading to the Chinese Embassy.

The busy, tourist filled Piccadilly Circus witnessed a number of thought provoking questions from the public, and many stopped, stared and drew

in for a closer look at the names of the ten brave individuals who gave immolated for their cause.

The Global Day of Action statement from Stand up for Tibet highlighted the need for action: "Ten young Tibetans have set fire to themselves in eastern Tibet since March 2011; eight since 26 September.

At least five have died including a nun. These unprecedented and truly desperate acts are a cry to the outside world for help.

"The international community, both citizens and governments, must Stand Up for Tibet. Global diplomatic intervention now will save Tibetan lives".

At around 5.30pm, the street outside London's Chinese embassy began to fill with raucous noise, and an ocean of Tibetan flags were unfurled to the melodic chanting of peaceful Tibetan demonstrators.

Another powerful re-enactment of the suppression theatre act was played out before the defiant crowds, which numbered at least one hundred, and as the British weather finally unleashed the heavens on the crowd, which numbered at least one-hundred, one demonstrator remarked: "Today has been really effective for Tibetans. We are getting our voices heard around the world at this important time. People today in the streets were stopping. Looking. It is become very effective".

Dharamshala, India: - The Chineseoppressed province of Eastern Tibet has enclosed itself in a ring of fire. The grisly act of self-immolation has become horrifically routine, with at least six Tibetan monks having died since March 2011.

Yesterday, (9th November) In his first statement to the press since the last few self-immolations, the young and revered His Holiness the 17th Karmapa commented on the tragedy of these drastic acts, making an appeal to the Chinese to stop using such repressive measures against the people of the Sichuan province, while also urging Tibetans to stop resorting to selfimmolation.

Commenting on the situation, he said, "These desperate acts, carried out by people with pure motivation, are a cry against the injustice and repression under which they live. The situation is unbearably difficult, but in difficult situations we need greater courage and determination".

He added that each of the deceased monks were incredibly young and regretted the opportunities they had missed in making contributions to the movement.

"In Buddhist teaching life is precious.

To achieve anything worthwhile we need to preserve our lives. We Tibetans are few in number, so every Tibetan life is of value to the cause of Tibet.

Although the situation is difficult, we need to live long and stay strong without losing sight of our long term goals".

In 2000, the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, fled Tibet and arrived in Dharamshala into the welcoming arms of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and his people in exile. Since 2000, he has been in asylum in India, holding a refugee status. He is part of the Buddhist trinity, one of the most important Buddhist religious figures following the Dalai

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Rinpoche speaking to a western reporter about Buddhist and environment, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/file

Lama and the Panchen Lama.

Reiterating His Holiness the Dalai Lama's beliefs, the Karmapa has said, "The Chinese leadership should face up to the real source of these tragic incidents.... A ruthless response will only make things worse. Where there is fear, there can be no trust".

He echoed the Dalai Lama's opinion that the use of force is counter-productive and repressive measures can never bring unity and stability.

In the recent past, the Chinese government has lashed out at Tibet's spiritual leader, accusing him of encouraging monks to self-immolate.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in response, stated that it is the Chinese's "cultural genocide" in Tibet that was the primary reason behind these drastic acts.

The 17th Karmapa's statements are immensely significant to the current situation, considering that he is the only top Buddhist leader also recognised by the Chinese government.

In his statement to the press, he appeals to the Chinese government to review its policies towards Tibetans and other minorities, and heed to the legitimate demands of Tibetans through a

constructive and meaningful dialogue, rather than resorting to brute force.

Over the past few months, the Tibetan struggle has gathered momentum, with thousands of supporters coming together worldwide to show their solidarity with the cause. World governments have remained safe in their stance towards Tibet, but Tibet support movements springing up all over the world, coupled with an escalating number of Tibetan deaths, has put pressure on global leaders to take more proactive action against China.

"I appeal to right-thinking,freedomloving people throughout the world to join us in deploring the repression unleashed in the monasteries in Tibet, particularly in the Tibetan region of Sichuan" said the 17th Karmapa.

"Because the Tibetan issue involves truth and justice, people are not afraid to give up their lives, but I request the people of Tibet to preserve their lives and find other, constructive ways to work for the cause of Tibet. It is my heartfelt prayer that the monks and nuns, indeed all the Tibetan people, may live long, free from fear, in peace and happiness".

Rockstar' Censorship Rocks Tibetan Community

Tibetans and Indian supporters in Dharamshala, India gathering to protest against Chinese rule over Tibet, colorful Tibetan National flags raised during the event, 7th November 2011. Photo: TPI/ Sangay Dorjee

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dhramshala, India: - Amidst news of an alarming rate of self-immolations and negotiations with world governments, the Tibetan cause has seeped through the woodwork and found its way to the big screen in India. Recently, Bollywood director, Imtiaz Ali, found himself under fire by the censor board for the inclusion of a 'Free Tibet' flag in a song from his upcoming movie, 'Rockstar', starring Ranbir Kapoor. A seemingly nonchalant plot about a boy's journey to stardom,

has now turned political.

The song, 'Sada Haq', in which the Free Tibet flag was featured, was shot at Norbulingka monastery in McLeod Ganj, the seat of the Tibet government in exile.

The Censor Board of India has demanded that visuals of the flag be eliminated or blurred out before its release next week. Ali has since made the required deletions, affording the film a UA rating, confirmed the CEO of the Censor Board.

The issue had been put to rest in the film industry, but unrest has ensued in Dharamshala as a result of it. Activists with Students for a Free Tibet India have planned rallies and demonstrations in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Calcutta to protest the grossly unfair censorship of the movie's support of Tibet.

Just this morning, Dharamshala saw a hearty demonstration of activists bearing posters that read 'Don't Censor Tibet, Free Tibet!' Referring to Indians as brothers and sisters, the orator at the protest called upon Indian people to raise their voices against this injustice, and take it upon themselves to help save Tibetan lives. "For Indians, it is a

matter of free speech, a matter of freedom of expression, but for Tibetans it is a matter of survival".

"It is extremely disturbing that such a grotesque violation of free speech is occurring in the world's largest democracy", remarked Dorjee Tseten, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet- India. "By caving in to Chinese pressure, the Censor Board is allowing China to threaten the freedom and liberties that Indians enjoy".

He added, "Tibetans are dying for freedom. In the last eight months, eleven Tibetans in Tibet have set themselves on fire in protest of Chinese rule. At this critical time- when Tibetans are suffering so desperately under Chinese repression- one would expect India to be promoting and protecting the Tibetan people's basic human rights, not censuring their struggle in a free country, simply because China demands it.."

Dorjee Tseten is attempting to secure a meeting in Bombay, tomorrow, with the Censor Board's CEO, Pankaja Thakur, to demand that the censorship is revoked before the release of the film on Friday.

TPI SOLIDARITY ACTIONS

The Tibet Post

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

11

Twelve Latin American Cities To Tibet Supporters Appeal to Belgium Over Take Solidarity Action For Tibet Human Rights Abuse in Tibet

By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

Delhi college students display the names of Tibet's freedom fighters during the Tibetan Solidarity Movement, October 2011. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - Tibetans and supporters around the world are taking part in activities including mass prayers and protests as part of global days of action on Tibet to express solidarity with Tibetan people living inside Tibet.

Twelve cities from the Latin American region on 2 November will undertake a solidarity action in support of people in Tibet.

Florianopolis, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo in Brazil; Mexico city, Morelia, Queretaro, Monterrey in Mexico; Montevideo in Uruguay; Santiago in Chile, Bogota in Colombia and San Jose in Costa Rica, where the activities will take place, according to the Tibetan official media, 'Tibet Net.' The local organizers are currently making efforts to mobilize the general public for the Solidarity Action for Tibet using social networking facilities through friends, relatives and colleagues.

Banners, fliers and other publicity materials have been prepared to educate the general public on the deteriorating situation inside Tibet, particularly in Ngaba. The local organizers have also been approaching the local media, print,

radio and TV to cover the action.

Tibet supporters, Friends of Tibet and members of Buddhist centers are also actively participating in signature campaigns on the Ngaba issue launched by the International Tibet Network and the International Campaign for Tibet.

"Since the Communist China’s occupation of Tibet, the Tibetan people have been undergoing untold suffering.

Through its propaganda Beijing shows a different image, but in reality China practices colonialism and systematic destruction of the unique Tibetan culture, religion, language and environment because of peaceful Tibetan demonstration," said an issued statement of Kalon Tripa recently.

The democratically elected leader of Tibetans, Dr. Lobsang Sangay has urgently appealed to the international community, governments, parliaments and Human Rights groups around the world, including the United Nations and the European Union to send fact-finding delegations into Tibet, so far, the UN and the EU have not responded to the present crisis in human rights of people in the Himalayan region.

Brussels, Belgium: - As the Belgian Prince Philippe is now on a trade mission to China, one of the biggest trade missions he has ever done, on 26th October, two Belgian Tibet supporters, Dennis Barbion and Ilse Keysabyl, have written a letter to the Prince of Belgium to express their concern about the Tibetan issue and the human rights violations in China and Tibet. A copy of the letter is also sent to the Belgian Minister Steven Vanackere of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Prince Philippe is the oldest son of the Belgian King Albert II and he will be the next King of Belgium. More than 400 business people from 200 different companies are joining the Prince on the business trip to China.

In the letter is stated that good contacts and a good relationship among countries are indeed very important. The fact that the Belgian Prince is concerned about the economics, especially now with the economic crisis, is also a good thing.

Nevertheless, given the enormity of the trade mission to China and it's economic interests, the two Tibet supporters wanted to express their deep concern about human rights and the lack of freedom in China and Tibet.

The letter refers to the violent invasion of Tibet by the Chinese army in 1950, the oppression of the minorities in China, and the unfreedom and lack of respect of human rights in whole China and Tibet.

Also mentioned in the letter to the Prince are the facts that the Tibetan language is banned in Tibet by the Chinese authorities, for example in the education, the school books etc., and that already ten young Tibetans in Tibet have set themself on fire this year, of which eight since September 26, as a desperate cry about the inhuman living conditions of Tibetans under the Chinese dictatorial regime, and to ask for more attention,

Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium, center, along with his wife Princess Mathilde, is greeted by a participant as they arrive for a Belgian business briefing at a hotel in Beijing, China, Friday, Oct. 21, 2011. The Crown Prince and Princess Mathilde are on a nine-day official visit to China. Photo: AP

help and support.

"The lack of freedom for ordinary citizens throughout China is a fact. Human rights are violated widely. Anyone who does not agree with the official position of the government, gets arrested. There is no freedom of speech and all the information is censored. The people who struggle peacefully for more freedom end up in prison where they also are beaten and even tortured. Every call for more freedom, openness and democracy is suppressed."

"Today we see that economics, business and money are often a priority, at the expense of humanity and human values.

Respect, not only for the individual, the citizen, but for a whole population including all minorities in China and for their own specific culture, is hard to find.

A peaceful society and tolerance are so important. For decades and decades already, a vast population in China is living under the dictatorship of the Chinese government. How must that be, to live without freedom, without democracy, with no openness and transparency?"

In the letter, Dennis and Ilse also refer to the documentary "China's lost sons" that was broadcast last week on the Belgian television. The documentary by Channel 4 shows that at least 10,000 mentally ill men in China are lured and kidnapped, and forced to work as slaves in a brickyard where they also are mistreated. More than half million mentally ill people in China are at high risk of being kidnapped. Thousands of families are trying to find their lost son themselves, as the police and the official authorities do nothing.

"It really is terrible and shocking that the economy in China is growing so rapidly, but also through slavery, by kidnapped mentally disabled people who are forced to work in a brickyard without a salary, child labor and exploitation of workers".

Finally, the letter asks the Belgian Prince whether he is aware of the unfreedom and lack of respect of human rights in China and Tibet, and how he feels about that.

The letter is sent on 26th October 2011 and will definitely be delivered with the Prince personally.

Vigil Held in Sydney Following Ten Self-immolations in Tibet ...... Continues From Front Page nights running this week in the city centre.

On Wednesday night (Oct 26) the crowd gathered in Martin Place and held a vigil for the list of Tibetan monks -and as of last week, one nun- who have selfimmolated this year in order to draw global attention to the deteriorating situation inside Tibet. This was followed on Thursday by a demonstration and candlelight vigil outside the Chinese consulate.

Unfortunately, due to a rumour that the proper permission had not been obtained for Sydney's vigils, much of the Tibetan community and many of its supporters did not manage to attend, however the turnout was still surprisingly good and it is believed that support for the Tibetan cause in Australia is growing as public awareness increases and many within the nation become progressively more wary of their aggressive Chinese neighbour.

Vigils and demonstrations were also held in Melbourne over the past two weeks and have occurred globally in response to China's tightening of Tibetan borders and information passing in or out of the region, which it has been occupying with a brutal iron fist since shortly after the communist takeover of China in 1949.

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

Recently the Chinese government has gone as far as to claim that only the communist regime, for whom religion has long famously been considered 'poison', has the power to designate the next reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a claim that has so far only managed to expose the party to ridicule both in Tibet and abroad.

Beijing stubbornly refuses to allow Tibetans religious freedom or the 'autonomy' that was promised to them following the Chinese invasion that drove the Dalai Lama into exile in India. Chinese population and environmental policies have also had a devastating impact on Tibetan language and culture, while Chinese companies have pillaged Tibet's valuable natural resources and taken over the local economy.

A total of 10 Tibetan monastics have this year made this ultimate sacrifice while shouting free Tibet slogans and calling for the return of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, while many have 'disappeared' or been tortured and hundreds of others have been detained by authorities.

The following is the full press release for the Sydney vigils, circulated 27th October 2011:

Candlelight Vigil held for Young Martyrs in Tibet at Martin Place Sydney.

Yesterday saw Tibetans and their supporters hold prayers and a candlelight vigil in Martin Place for the young Tibetans in Tibet who have self immolated to draw world attention to the plight of Tibetan people.

Since March this year, ten Tibetans, nine monks and one nun, have turned themselves into human torches, to face death in the most agonizing way, by pouring petrol over themselves, then setting themselves on fire, as a last act of desperation to call for international help for Tibetans inside Tibet. Five of them are dead. The welfare of the others is unknown. Their names are listed at the end of this media release.

The devastating situation in Tibet is getting worse. Monasteries are being subjected to military siege, monks and nuns are being "re-educated" or imprisoned for their religious beliefs, food supplies have been restricted, and Tibetan culture generally is being systematically eradicated to be replaced with Chinese language and culture. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has still not been able to return to his homeland in Tibet, to the Potala in

Lhasa, and this is a major cause of resentment amongst most Tibetans. For Tibetans, this on going situation is a tortuous genocide of their faith, their culture, their language and their environment.

Tibetans and their supporters all around the world have held prayers, protests, hunger strikes, anything using peaceful means, to call world attention to their plight. However, the international media coverage on recent developments in Tibet has been very scant. Why is this so? The silence is deadly. Last night's prayer vigil in Martin Place was the first public event in Sydney, the second will be tonight outside the Chinese Consulate at Dunblane Street in Camperdown between 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

Last night was a somber event, with many young speakers from the Tibetan Youth event organizers, who spoke about their solidarity with the Tibetan youth inside Tibet who had taken such drastic measures to call for help for their fellow Tibetans. The prayers were led by Sydney Buddhist monks, and the event was attended by representatives of the Tibetan and Chinese Friendship Association, who also gave a heartfelt

speech. Tibetans turned out in force to call for international help before any more Tibetans resort to such desperate measures.

The names of the Tibetan martyrs are: v Lobsang Phuntsok, 21, from Kirti Monastery, Ngaba, set himself on fire on 16 March. v Tsewang Norbu, 29, from Nyatso Monastery in Tawu self-immolated on 15 August. v Lobsang Kalsang, 18, and v Lobsang Konchok,, 18, both from Kirti Monastery set themselves on fire on 26 September. v Kelsang Wangchuk, 17, also from Kirti Monastery set himself on fire on 3 October. v Khaying, 20, and v Choephel, 19, both former monks of Kirti Monastery self-immolated 7 October. v Norbu Damdul, 20, former monk of Kirti Monastery set himself on fire on 15 October. v Tenzin Wangmo, 20, from Dechen Choekhorling Nunnery from Ngaba on 17 October. v Dawa Tsering, 38, Kardze Monastery, Ganzi on 25 October.

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15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI BUDDHISM IN MONGOLIA

His Holiness The Dalai Lama Concludes Three-day Mongolia Visit

Hundreds of supporters and Buddhist devotees of the spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama awaiting outside the Central Cultural Palace of Ulan Bator where he was delivering a lecture to Mongolian students in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's three-day visit to Mongolia which ended on Friday, November 11th, was amazingly successful as thousands of Buddhist devotees had the opportunity to listen his Buddhist teachings and public talks.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's first visit dates back to 1979. This was his 8th time in Mongolia, from 7-11 November, at the invitation of the Center of Mongolian Buddhism, the Gaden Theckchen Choeling monastery. Before

leaving Mongolia, His Holiness met the press and answered a few questions. In his speech, he noted that he was very happy to be in Mongolia again and even though it was a short visit, it was meaningful.

During his three-day visit to the country, His Holiness the Dalai lama gave a public lecture titled "Ethics for the New Millennium" to university students and Mongolian youth and preached teachings "Praise to Dependent Origination" and "Three Principle Paths" as well as

Avalokiteshvara (Tib: Chenrezig) Empowerment to monks, nuns and a thousand other Buddhist followers. His Holiness underlined the need to study Buddhist teachings in his lecture "Even the great scientists and scholars considered Buddhist religious philosophy as psychological science".

"Outstanding scientists are eager to study Buddhist science, not religion.

This is why the youth is recommended to carefully study Buddhist science aside of contemporary science in order to develop their intellectual ability and knowledge. Religionists of the 21st Century aside of performing religious rituals, following religious teaching, rules and prayers, must be people wellversed in religious science," His Holiness said.

At a press conference conducted by Gaden Theckchen Choeling monastery on the occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit, it was stressed that his visit was purely religious, without any political agenda. The head of the Monastery D.Choijamtsa said,"Mongols revered and worshiped His Holiness for a long time. Buddhist believers and monks and nuns were waiting for his arrival."

"The present visit was arranged at the wish of thousands of Mongolian Buddhist followers including monks and nuns. Faith and religion in democratic society is free, this is why His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama has been invited to visit our country twothree months earlier", he further added.

Communist rule ended in 1990 in Mongolia, and some 90 percent of its 2.7 million people consider themselves Buddhists. The Communist Chinese Regime has ruled Tibet in an often brutal fashion since 1951.

China Must Become a Democracy...... ...... Continues From Page 2 in the policies, there is hope that His Holiness the Dalai Lama might be able to return to Tibet, but this process will take time". In his opinion, His Holiness' return to Tibet will have an immensely positive impact on the development of democracy and freedom of religion in China. However, without the Chinese's implementation of a plan to move towards democracy, it will not be possible for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return.

The Benefits of China Shifting to Democracy Mr. Su claims, "Some people in Taiwan believe it will not be beneficial for the country, but I personally believe it will.

Democracy is not just about elections, but about the protection of fundamental human rights and the welfare of the minorities But if the system doesn't include the basic elements of democracy, it will be difficult for China to make the transition". He maintained that a transition would only be possible if China decided to respect and respond to the determination of the minorities.

Tibet-Taiwanese Cooperation in the Struggle for Democracy Mr. Su describes the current political situation in Taiwan as much worse than before. In previous years, two Taiwanese presidents invited His Holiness to visit Taiwan, "But now, for many reasons, it is not possible for the current president to extend an invitation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, neither is it possible to participate in the democratic activities in the mainland".

These political setbacks have hindered Taiwan's ability to extend full support to Tibet. "Internationally, there have been more results and support in the Tibetan struggle as compared to Taiwan, but the Chinese government has paid no heed to it."

He reiterated that Taiwanese's participation and hard-work, along with their cooperation with the Tibetan administration, is crucial to the development of democratic conditions in both countries. " If both of the countries experiences are put upon the same platform, it will be possible to reap bigger results". He also commented on Buddhism as being benefecial in remedying the current problems of their society.

Purpose of Taiwanese Delegation in Dharamshala Mrs. Wen Hui (Friends of Tibet), stated that "The ambition of Taiwan's Friends of Tibet, is to better understand the Tibetan issue. Usually, our organization facilitates discussions and movements regarding Tibet, but this time, the purpose of our visit to Dharamshala was to witness first-hand the realities of the struggle and to garner more supporters". Her organization has visited Dharamshala a total of three times- in April, July and finally, in this month, inspiring them to work more diligently for the cause of Tibet.

Regarding increasing support for Tibet, Mrs Wen Hui says, "Through our declaration, visitors have come forth voluntarily to participate. Through our

movement, we have at least been able to give the Taiwanese people an insight into the reality of Tibetan refugees living in exile in India".

After each visit to Dharamshala, awareness regarding Tibet spread in Taiwan by way of delegates from different spheres of knowledge. In the first delegation, most of the people were affiliated to art and media. In the second delegation, all of them were university students. "This time is different than before", claims Mrs. Wen Hui. "We have leaders, teachers, religious and political people. We also have a variety of interesting, new activities tailoring to the specific interests of different delegates".

Mrs. Su Hua (journalist, ‘Dreaming Country', Taiwan) agreed that such delegations would be favourable in helping the two communities better understand and help each other.

In conclusion, the meeting proved successful in verifying the support of the Taiwanese in the Tibet struggle and further solidifiying the bond between the two countries under Chinese dominance.

"The Taiwanese could help the economic situation of Tibet whereas Tibet could provide Taiwan with a better understanding of religious and cultural matters", said Mrs. Su Hua. N.B. This has been translated from the original interview in Tibetan and Chinese. If there is any discrepancy between the two, please treat the Tibetan and Chinese version as authoritative and final.

The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Empowers Buddhist Devetees in Japan

Audience members with traditional red blindfolds as part of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teachings in Koyasan, Japan, on 2 November 2011. Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Yesterday (Nov 2, 2011), the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama bestowed the Vajra Dhatu empowerment to an auditorium of over a thousand Japanese Buddhist devotees at the Koyasan University in Japan.

On his 5th day in Japan, the spiritual leader of Tibet in exile, asked his reverent audience to meditate on the attainment of Bodhichitta (Tib: Jangchup Sempa), explaining that Bodhichitta is the mind of enlightenment, and the "most altruistic of all minds".

Just the day before, he had completed the preliminary initiations of the Vajra Dhatu, intricately guiding his audience through its stages and on how to dissolve one's self-centeredness.

He quoted the Indian Saint, Shanti Deva, "For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain, until then may I too abide, to dispel the misery of the world", illustrating that one must develop the belief of being compassionate towards and relieving the suffering of all sentient beings.

His Holiness imparted that "The root of happiness lies in how to control one's mind. It can be developed through being compassionate and working for others'

well-being rather than exploiting them for your personal gain alone". He also added, "The root cause of suffering lies in uncontrolled mind, which in turn is caused by frustration if one's selfish motives are not fulfilled".

The spiritual leader patiently guided his disciples- including many Japenese Buddhist priests- through a series of hand mudras, rituals and prayers in order to confer the complete Dorying empowerment.

Those that attended the empowerment felt a true sense of refuge and invigoration at being vowed into this age-old Buddhist tradition. The Dalai Lama left the auditorium after having imparted true inspiration to the Japanese people.

"In this hour of tragedy, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit has greatly encouraged the Japanese people to tide over the difficult times", said a Japanese disciple from the Chiba prefecture near Tokyo. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Holiness for visiting Japan.

Tomorrow, His Holiness will go on to participate in a discussion with scientists and the President of the Koyasan University on esoteric Buddhism.

His Holiness Praises Japan's Courage and Resilience to Rebuild

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, right, listens to Japan's Koyasan Shingon Buddhism leader Yukei Matsunaga as the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader gives a lecture with Matsunaga at Koyasan University in Koya, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, Monday, Oct. 31, 2011. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Sharing suffering with Japanese people affected by the recent natural disasters, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Monday 31st October, praised their resilience to rebuild their nation from even from ashes as they did after the second world war. On his fourth day visiting Japan (Tuesday, 1st November), some 900 Japanese devotees received the preliminary Vajradhateshvari empowerment (Tib: Doying Wang) from

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at the auditorium of Koyasan University.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama also made a short pilgrimage to the mountain temple of the Great Sun Buddha, set amidst fascinating two hundred thousand tree-shaded mausoleums located on Mount Koya in Koyasan.

The Buddhist leader reiterated that more effort needs to be made towards bringing inner development. "Not only money and power, but self-centered attitude of thinking about one's own benefit alone cannot bring lasting mental peace and happiness. All the conflicts are caused by human being's self-centered attitude. Lasting happiness and peace of mind can be achieved through sense of lovingkindness and care for others' wellbeing," His Holiness said.

The spiritual leader of further said scientists have been taking special interests in studying human emotions to determine happiness and suffering.

"Efforts in developing positive inner feelings such as compassion, love, ...... Continues From Page 13

The Tibet Post

TPI CHINA-TIBET TALKS

Tibet's Political Leader, Dr. Sangay Testifies Before US Congress

Washington, DC: - The political leader (Kalon Tripa) of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr. Lobsang Sangay's final two days of his first visit to US capital, Washington, DC since assuming office saw him keep up a hectic schedule of meetings with top congressional members and conducting various press interviews.

Day four of the visit (November 3) started with a meeting with Senator Marco Rubio, the young and rising Republican Senator from the important U.S. electoral state of Florida. Senator Rubio was remarkably well informed on the current situation in Tibet and demonstrated real interest on Tibet. He lamented President Obama's less than enthusiastic support for the Tibetan issue.

In a meeting of two young leaders (the Senator is 40 years old), the Senator told the Kalon Tripa that he was inspired by the Tibet cause, proud to be associated with the issue and wanted to lend his voice and support. He accepted the Kalon Tripa's invitation to visit Dharamshala. Kalon Tripa and his team came away from the meeting feeling that Tibet had made a new and important friend.

The meeting with Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH) was focused on Nepal as the Congressman had recently come back from a trip to Nepal and Bhutan.

Representative Chabot is the Chair of Middle East/South Asia Subcommittee.

He expressed concern on the situation of Tibetans in Nepal.

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Lodi G Gyari, the spiritual leader of Tibe, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's special envoy in Washington DC, Friday, 11th November 2011 issued a statement concerning changes to his role.

Formerly a civil servant under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Lodi Gyari became special envoy in 1991.

Now that His Holiness has stepped down as political leader of the exile government, Lodi Gyari has decided to cease any involvement with issues relating to the CTA - at both the higher hevel, such as of presenting issues to the US or other governments, and the lower level, such as issuing letters of introduction.

In his meeting with Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Member, Foreign Operations Subcommittee, the Kalon Tripa thanked the US Congress and government for supporting various Tibetan programs and also invited her to visit Dharamshala.

A highlight of day four was the Kalon Tripa's testimony before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. The hearing drew a full house of audience and three of the committee members attended. Dr. Sangay paid tribute to the late Congressman Lantos in his oral presentation and touched on the outbreak of self-immolation cases in Tibet, the transition in Tibetan political leadership, how the hardline policies of the PRC government was not working in Tibet, how the Tibet issue can be resolved, and His Holiness' recent statement on reincarnation and emanation.

Dr. Sangay was warmly welcomed by both the Co-Chairs of the commission Representative James McGovern (DMA) and Representative Frank Wolf (RVA). Rep. Wolf in particular spoke out strongly against the Chinese government and described it as a "fundamentally immoral and evil government." He stated that the Chinese government was bound to fall as they had taken a page out of the playbook of Nicolae Ceaus,escu of Romania.

The Congressman was particularly upset to learn that the Nepalese government had refused to issue exit passes that would allow 5000 Tibetans to immigrate to the US. He, along with Rep. McGovern,

global warming and negative deeds in one's previous lives. His Holiness emphasised that enhancing the collective merit of the community could prevent one's past negative deeds to bear fruit. The collective merit can be enhanced through promotion of positive values of care for others' wellbeing, he added.

"However, one thing is very clear, all the suffering and conflict in this world is man-made," he said. "So, the solution lies in ourselves," he added.

His Holiness also answered questions on how peaceful mind and genuine happiness have to be achieved.

"Perception of comfort through sensorial feelings and vested interest is transient. Genuine peace of mind and happiness could be acquired through our positive use of human intelligence, and values of love, compassion and care

for others' well-being." Elucidating on human intelligence, he said human beings have more power of using this faculty, due to which there is more tendency towards negative emotions like suspicion and frustration. On the contrary, if our intelligence is used for others' well-being, it would strengthen our self-confidence to generate happiness for both oneself and others, he added.

He further said there has been growing interest in the study of mind since the later part of the 20th century. Describing it as a positive change, His Holiness said people with peaceful minds were healthy at the individual, family, society and global levels. The Buddhism, which the scientists over the years have considered a form of science, can play an important role in generating a peaceful state of mind.

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

...... Continues From Page 12 patience and kindness will bring mental peace and happiness for oneself and other sentient beings," he added.

During the course of preliminary empowerment, His Holiness told the devotees to visualize that their minds have become like that of Bodhisattva, and pledge to renounce self-centered attitude."As a friend and same follower of Buddha, I feel honored to get the opportunity to share the painful suffering experienced by you after the recent natural tragedy," His Holiness the Dalai Lama told Japanese on Monday during a discussion with Japanese during Koyasan university's 125th founding anniversary.

Responding to questions on why people in the country suffered from natural disasters, His Holiness mentioned a number of causes such as the continuous evolution of earth,

13

Change of Role for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy

stated that they would write and summon the Nepalese ambassador in Washington, DC and request the Nepalese government to allow the Tibetans to leave Nepal. The Congressman threatened to zero out all US foreign aid to Nepal if the latter did not issue the exit visas to the Tibetans.

Another important witness testifying before the Commission was Kirti Rimpoche whose trip was organized by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

Since many of the Tibetans who had committed self-immolation in Tibet were related to Kirti Monastery, CTA felt it would be beneficial for the Committee members and staff to hear directly from Rimpoche.

Immediately following the hearing, the Kalon Tripa had a meeting with Democrat Leader Pelosi, a long and steadfast friend of Tibetans, and her staff, Jonathan Stivers. Leader Pelosi expressed admiration for His Holiness in his move to transfer his political powers and welcomed the transition in Tibetan leadership to the next generation of Tibetans.

The day ended with an interview with Al Jazeera for their The Stream program.

Day five and the last day of the visit started off with interviews with VOA Mandarin service and with the VOA Tibetan television program. Kalon Tripa also met with Washington Post, which published his op-ed on the unfolding tragedy in Tibet centered around the growing cases of Tibetans committing self-immolations. The final event of the day was a reception organized by the Capital Area Tibetan Association (CATA) both for the Kalon Tripa and Kirti Rimpoche.

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay interacting with Senator Marco Rubio

15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

Lodi Gyari, the special envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to media in Dharamshala, India after returning from Beijing. Photo: TPI/file

All such matters will now be handled by the Office of Tibet in New York.

Lodi Gyari said, "This, however, does not imply that I do not have any desire to assist in the work of the new

administration or that the new Kashag (cabinet) does not have any confidence in me. " It is merely a reflection of the process of clarifying the structure under the new system in place now."

Lodi Gyari added that he will continue to be involved in the Tibet-China dialogue process, including leading efforts to arrange talks with the Chinese leadership.

"The present tragic situation in Tibet and the repressive policies of the Chinese authorities make one wonder if it is even worth making any efforts for the dialogue," he said, but concluded that, "On the other hand the prevailing situation confronts every sensible person that the only way is through dialogue."

Chalk Tibet in London: Peaceful Movement Goes Global

'Chalk Tibet' protest in London, the capital of UK, on 2nd November 2011.

Photo: TP/Sam

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London: A new protest phenomenon has been covering the streets of worldwide cities lately, leaving a trail of chalk dust in its wake. Its goal: to peacefully raise awareness for the critical on-going situation in Tibet.

‘Chalk Tibet' is a protest movement that highlights the deaths of Tibetan Buddhist Monks and Nuns who have self-immolated against the Chinese rule of Tibet.

Its message is simple, clear and symbolic. A volunteer lies down in the street; usually in crowded or symbolic places where many people routinely walk through and will be able to see the event. This action in itself begins to raise questions and draw awareness. A second participant then draws an outline of the body on the ground. The effect is worthy of a Hollywood crime scene: body outline splayed across the pavement in chalk.

Within the body is taped or written a message. A memory of the fallen. For example, "Once again this week, a Tibetan committed self-immolation in Tibet in protest against China's brutal occupation."

A photo is usually taken of the ‘crime scene', which additionally draws more attention to the issue from the public, a head turning drama being played out on the streets and spaces of our cities.

The campaign, it proves, is extremely effective. I managed to discover for myself on the crowded streets of London, following the chalk trail of Tibetan activists from 10 Downing

Street to the Chinese embassy.

Crowds gathered in locations such as Piccadilly Circus to get a closer look at the unique spectacle.

The activists performed in style, with outlines of not just one, but, ten outlines to mark those that had selfimmolated in protest since March of this year, during the demonstrations of November 2nd2011.

Etched onto the ground in lines, descriptions of the ten Tibetans and their photographs were taped onto the ground where they lay.

As soon as each Tibetan was ‘chalked', the public stopped, stared and gathered. Passers-by came up to me as I photographed the event, asking about what had happened, and the Tibet issue. It was truly an eyecatching campaign.

The message from the Chalk Tibet community is simple: "Using a simple piece of chalk, let's outline the Tibetan dead in our streets" The campaign has hit the streets globally, and participants eagerly add a growing wealth of photographs of to the Chalk Tibet website, ranging from the streets of Prague to Las Vegas.

Importantly, Chalk Tibet seems fittingly; in the face of suppression, a peaceful non-violent movement which works hand in hand with the ethics of the Tibetan struggle. It is successfully gaining momentum, and has pushed the boundaries of the Tibet issue onto the streets of our cities, and into the hearts and minds of our public.

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15 November , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI WORLD TIBET

Largest Estonian Daily Published Voice of Tibet Newspaper

A map of Tibet and a crying Tibetan girl. Photo: Voice of Tibet, a newspaper

By The Tibet Post International

Tallinn, Estonia: On October 25 The Voice of Tibet, newspaper of the Central Tibetan Administration, was published in Estonia that includes articles by Tibetan and Estonian politicians, opinion leaders and authors as well as news, analyses and cultural texts. It was published as a supplement to Postimees, largest Estonian daily.

Postimees had previously on September 9 printed a propaganda paper of the People's Republic of China, causing a public outcry in Estonia and abroad. The Chinese propaganda paper was printed soon after the third visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Estonia that had taken

place in mid-August.

The editor-in-chief of The Voice of Tibet, Estonian writer and activist Roy Strider said that the newspaper was not published to engage in information warfare with the Chinese authorities.

"After the end of the Soviet occupation freedom of speech has been wellrespected in Estonia and just as people everywhere the Estonians seek truthful information from the media," Strider explained.

"The incident concerning the Chinese propaganda paper irritated the Estonian society and evoked a societal demand for more objective information. The first

number of The Voice of Tibet concentrates on introducing the history and current situation in Tibet as well as the Tibetan cause."

The 56 000 print copy newspaper includes the contributions of the Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay; Member of the European Parliament and former Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kristiina Ojuland; Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Thubten Samdup; lecturer of Oriental studies of the University of Tartu Dr M채rt L채채nemets and of Laur J채rv, doctor of physics.

The newspaper printed the testimony of the missing monk Jigme, who had been tortured by the Chinese authorities, and the poems of Bhuchung D. Sonam and the well-known Tibetan dissident Woeser.

Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940. The small Eastern European state managed to shake off the yoke of the big neighbour non-violently and restore her independence only in 1991.

The People's Republic of China occupied Tibet in 1950 and rules her territory with an iron fist and in disregard of human rights.

Despite the long-standing protest of Tibetans and the international community there has been no progress in settling the Tibetan question. The Chinese authorities threatened and imposed sanctions against Estonia after the visit of the Dalai Lama in August.

The Chinese authorities, who previously had tried to ruin the visit, subsequently refused the visas to the rector of the University of Tartu and a number of Estonian ministers planning an official visit.

European Parliament Adopts Urgency Resolution on Tibet

The European Parliament. Photo: File

By The Tibet Post International

Brussels : The European Parliament on 27 October 2011 adopted a resolution on Tibet in which it expressed its deep concern on the recent self-immolations of eight Tibetan Buddhist monks and one nun in Ngaba, Tibet, and condemned the continued crackdown by Chinese authorities on Tibetan monasteries and sentencing of the Kirti monks without fair trial.

In the resolution, the European Parliament urged the Chinese authorities to lift restrictions and heavy-handed security measures imposed on Kirti monastery and to be accountable for the status of the Tibetans who survived selfimmolation and to provide complete details on the status of those detained

after March 16, 2011, including the 300 monks forcibly taken from the monastery and proceed to their immediate release. It also urged the Chinese authorities to allow independent international media and human rights monitors to visit the area.

The European Parliament called on the government of the People's Republic of China to respect rights of the Tibetans in all its provinces and to take proactive steps to resolve their underlying grievances.

Furthermore, the European Parliament called on the Chinese authorities to cease promoting policies threatening the Tibetan language, culture, religion, heritage and environment and to suspend and review religious control and security policies

implemented in Ngaba since 2008, and to open a transparent dialogue with the leaders of the Tibetan Buddhist schools.

It then called on the European Union and its Member states to call on the Chinese authorities to resume dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his representatives.

The European Parliament called on the European External Action Services (EEAS) and the EU delegation in China to continue raising concrete individual cases of Tibetans imprisoned for the peaceful exercise of religious freedom in meetings and correspondence with Chinese officials, and to present a report to the EP within the next twelve months, suggesting actions or policies to implement.

The European Parliament reiterated its call on the Council to appoint a EU Special Representative for Tibet and felt the need for the rights of China's minority communities to be put on the agenda for future rounds of EU-China human rights dialogue.

Lastly the European Parliament called on the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy and President of the Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso as well as the EU leaders who are members of the G20 to urge President Hu Jintao to address the human rights situation in Tibet at the upcoming G20 summit on 3-4 November 2011 in Cannes, France.

N.B. The previous urgency on the situation of the Tibetans in Nepal was adopted on 07 April 2011. Report filed

by Rigzin Choedon Genkhang, Special Assistan for Office of Tibet, Brussels.

The Tibet Post

Chinese Intellectuals Launch Tibet Solidarity Campaigns

A member of Chinese delegations from abroad reading statements during Tibetan National Uprising Day, Dharamshala, India, 10th March, 2010. Photo: TPI

culture.

It further adds that since the authorities have made the life in the monasteries so unbearable with unprecedented control and repression, the situation forced the young monks to take a drastic course of action to set themselves on fire to draw outside attention to the deplorable situation.

Apart from the signature campaign, three Chinese oversea organizations have also released statement separately to condemn the Chinese government's repression on the monastic communities, particularly in Kirti Monastery in Ngaba.

The three organizations are Germany based Federation for a Democratic China headed by Feiliang Yong, US based Democratic Party of China headed by Wang Yoncai and Wang Juntao and US based Chinese Social Democratic Party headed by Liu Guokai.

After the completion of the signature campaign, the organizers have a plan to submit a copy of the signature campaign letter to the United Nations, the United States' Administration and EU.

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

New York: Chinese intellectuals and independent writers have joined a signature campaign to express their concern over the deteriorating situation in Tibet, particularly in Ngaba, and also to show solidarity with the Tibetan people inside Tibet.

More than 200 Chinese intellectuals and independent writers from outside China as well as some from inside China took part in the signature campaign initiated by Havard scholar Yang Jianli and few others.

In the letter signed by the Chinese intellectuals and independent writers, it mentions that the Chinese government has been, for a long time, suppressing the activities of the monastic communities in the Tibetan regions and this has been one of the main causes of the degeneration of the Tibetan culture, religion and Tibetan language.

The policies of the Chinese government, the letter says, have made it difficult even for ordinary citizens to carry on their day to day life related with the religion and

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Advicer Advicer Editor in Chief Chinese Editor Project Manager Tibetan Editor Assistant Editor Circular Publisher Editor, Tibet Post Europe Designer

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Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Ms. Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Mr. Sangay Dorjee Ms. Pema Tso Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Sonam Sangay Mr. James Dunn Mr. Sangay Dorjee

Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Tsoltim N. Shakabpa Carly Selby-James Samuel Ivo Colleen McKown Brionie Pereira Dennis Barbion Danzi Yishe YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

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