The Tibet Post International Online Newspaper

Sino-Indian Relationship is very complex

I will open up my own clothing shop Page 6...

Vol. 02, Issue 56, December 31, 2011

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

Bi-Monthly

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Rs.5

Kalon Tripa inaugurates bank

Russian Tuva State University Honours His Holiness Dalai Lama of Tibet By: Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

Kalon Tripa, Dr Lobsang Sangay, at the inaugural ceremony. photo: Tibet.net

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: The Kalon Tripa ( Political leader ) of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay, inaugurated a branch of Canara bank at Gangkyi - the heart of the exiled Tibetan community - on Friday, December 23.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Sangay thanked Mr Bikas Adhikari, Deputy General Manager, Chandigarh See on Page 5 ...

Most dangerous places for reporters

Dharamsala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded an honorary doctorate from a Russian university following his annual teachings for Russian Buddhists on Wednesday, December 21.Telo Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of the Russian republic, Kalmykia, presented the doctorate to His Holiness in recognition of his ‘outstanding contribution to freedom, human rights, religious harmony and environmental protection’ on behalf of the Tuva State University, at the Main Temple in front of delighted onlookers. Telling the crowd that the decision to make His Holiness an honorary professor at Tuva State University, was made in October, Telo Rinpoche said: ‘The Russian Academic Council of the Tuva State University has anonymously decided to confer the honoring title of professor to the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, in acknowledgment of his outstanding input to the development of science, personal contribution to solving contemporary pressing issues such as protection of Human freedom, values and Rights, promotion of religious harmony,

The Russian Federal State Education Institute- Tuva State University Honouring His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet for his outstanding work of peace and religious harmony, Dharamshala, India, 21st December 2011. Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

conservation of environment, and strengthening of moral and ethical principals in society.’

Refering to the occasions on which His Holiness was denied a visa by the Russian government, he added: ‘For the past many years, we made every possible effort to prepare the Dalai Lama’s visit to Russia, but, with many unfortunate conditions, we have faced many difficulties.‘We need to hear more teachings from His Holiness.’

The Tibetan spiritual leader agreed to conduct more teachings and initiations for Russian Buddhists in the coming years, adding that as a Buddhist monk, it was his duty to promote compassion, religious harmony and to confer Buddhist teachings.

Thanking the dignitaries from the Ministry of The Education and Science of The Russian Federation, Federal State Education Institute – Tuva State University, for their stand on human rights and values, he said: ‘I have visited Tuva once and learnt of the Tuva people’s great interest in Buddhism. Tuva has long-standing, strong cultural ties to Tibet.

‘In recent years due to political reasons, I See on Page 2 ...

Sixty six journalists were killed and more than 1,000 injured while working in 2011. Photo: RSF

By Reporters Without Borders/The Tibet Post

Paris, France: - Several of the Middle Eastern countries which experienced political unrest and continued protests over the past year are among the world's most dangerous places for journalists, according to a new list released by Reporters Without Borders.

Sixty six journalists were killed and more than 1,000 injured while working this year, according to the Paris-based media rights watchdog.

The following report was sent to The Tibet Post See Page 7 ...

Arunachal Minister Pema Khandu inaugurates two Tibetan museums

Gere wins George Eastman award

Holloywood star, Richard Gere, at the inception of a new Buddhist learning institute in Dharamshala, India.

Photo: TPI/File

By The Tibet Post International

Monk Tabey is alive but crippled

Dharamshala, India: - Richard Gere, Hollywood star, activist, and tireless promoter of human rights in Tibet has been announced as the next See Page 4 ...

China must begin dialogue with Tibet

Tabey, file photo from woeser's blog

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post International

The chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Pema Khandu, inaugurated two Tibetan museums in Bodhgaya on December 29 and 30. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - December 17: The first known Tibetan to have self-immolated in Tibet who was feared dead after Chinese security personnel fired shots at him is now believed to be alive but detained in a Chinese army hospital.

In the latest report on Tabey, Beijing-based Tibetan blogger, Tsering Woeser, said that the monk from Ngaba's Kirti Monastery is alive, but has been crippled in his feet due to bullet wounds.

The popular Tibetan blogger added that that the monk is being held in a Chinese military hospital in the Barkham area.

See Page 6 ...

Bodhgaya, India: The chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Pema Khandu, inaugurated two Tibetan museums in Bodhgaya on December 29 and 30.

Organized by the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibet Museum will display the life story of the Dalai Lama and the awards bestowed upon him in pictures.

Also displayed will be a compilation of pictures and documents showcasing Tibet during various stages of history.

The second museum was designed to commemorate 50 years of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the

Dalai Lama.

Also present during the inaugurations were Kalon(Minister) Ngodup Dongchung, Department of Security, and Mr. Tashi, Additional Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration.

After a brief introduction by Dr. Tsewang Tamdrin, director of the Medical Institute, Mr. Khandu said: "The whole museum has been wonderfully organized."

Mr. Khandu, who along with his family is one of the chief patrons of the 32nd Kalachakra See Page 2 ...

Sam Rainsy party

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - A group of parliamentarians of Cambodia has made a strong call for an end to the human rights violations in Tibet, urging China to engage in sincere dialogue with the Tibetan side to resolve the issue of Tibet.

"It is with a strong sense of unity that we Cambodian parliamentarians support the recent move by British Parliamentarians to halt the continuing injustice in Tibet," noted a press release See Page 7 ...

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31 December, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI EDUCATION & SOCIETY

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet - A Struggles of Voice in Exile

By Kyle Hanso, The Tibet Post International

The Tibet Post

From Amdo, Eastern Tibet to Dharamshala: A Tibetan Nomad’s Story

By Viki Rey Eagle, The Tibet Post International

A Tibetan man with his national flag during a peaceful protest in Dharamshala, India.

Photo: TPI/file

Dharamshala, India: - On Jogibara road in Dharamshala, you can find the offices and housing of an organization known as Gu Chu Sum. Its name comprises the Tibetan words for "nine", "ten", and "three", which represents the beginnings of the resistance movement and the fleeing into exile of Tibetan refugees from the Chinese occupation in the year 1959, on the tenth of March. The name also holds significance for some refugees as referring to September, October, and March, three months that saw significant uprisings of protest within Tibet in 2008.

At Gu Chu Sum, classes, housing, and the support of a community with similar experiences are offered to expolitical prisoners from Tibet. Some of the classes offered include Tibetan language, history, and computer skills - but the most popular class offered is English. Many Tibetans are enrolled at Gu Chu Sum and attend classes five days a week in addition to having the chance to practice their English with volunteer conversations partners in the evenings.

Dolma, 23 years old, has lived in Dharamshala at Gu Chu Sum for 3 years. She is originally from Lhasa. "I came to Dharamshala to study English.

It is a very useful language and you have more employment opportunities if you can speak English," she says.

Her journey from Tibet had a rough start. She paid a guide to take her to India. From Lhasa, they took a car to Shigatse, where they were unfortunately pulled over by the police. She and her guide were subsequently thrown into jail for one night. Unsure if she would be sent back all the way to Lhasa, she told the police she was on her way to Nepal. They released the two next day and she continued on to reach the Nepal reception center for Tibetan refugees.

Dolma grew up in Tibet as a farmer.

Her parents currently live in Tibet along with her 4 other siblings. "In the town I grew up in before our family moved to Lhasa, there was no school or chance to go," she explains. Before coming to Dharamshala, Dolma worked at a bakery. But she eventually decided that an education was important to her, and came to India. "I learned how to speak English

from Gu Chu Sum, but I also learned how to read and write Tibetan since I never attended school before. It has been really great." Dolma says with a cheerful smile.

Dolma, in addition to receiving an education in India, was also able to see the Dalai Lama in 2007. "It was a very big moment for me."

In the future, Dolma will continue her studies at Gu Chu Sum, but afterward she hopes to return home to Tibet.

"Tibet is so beautiful and my family misses me." When she goes back to Tibet, she wants to possibly become a tour guide for all the foreigner tourists that wish to come and see her homeland.

Pasang, 26 and another resident and student at Gu Chu Sum, comes from a family of farmers in the Kham region of Tibet. He, however, did business buying and selling clothes between Nepal and Tibet.

His family had a history in the resistance movement within Tibet, as his mother's father led their village of about three hundred in protest in 1959.

They were later forced to hide in the mountains during periods of violence, and eventually, nearly all of the three hundred people, including his grandfather, were killed. His mother was at this time fourteen years old.

She was arrested and spent five years as a political prisoner before being released.

Many members of his family have been killed in the fighting in Tibet, including several uncles - his father, though involved in the independence movement, died from a sickness at age 55. He and his brothers (both monks) and sister have grown up with their mother's deep respect for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the love of their traditional culture. He laments that in Tibet he was unable to study his native language much in school as all of his teachers taught mostly in Chinese.

Today, Pasang, his mother, his uncle, and his siblings are all in India. His mother made the decision to finally come to India partly for her respect for the Dalai Lama and her wish to see him, but also out of a desire for a better life for her children, as she was being monitored by the Chinese authorities and they often did not have enough food. Pasang himself had a great

Dharamshala, India: - 35-year-old Rinchen Bom from Amdo, eastern Tibet works at a temporary hire employment center in McLeodganj, Dharamshala. His work varies according to the town's needs ranging from jewelry-making to masonry painting, cooking, washing dishes, and other small jobs.

The center, which employs around 50 staff, provides opportunities for Tibetans who have no livelihood and little education, and who have come to India in search other work.

"There is usually work to do but on occasions I might have a day off," said Bom. In his former life in Amdo, Tibet, he worked as a nomad, tending to yak

desire both to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to get a better education.

After a two day journey by bus, they walked for nine days through the high mountains at night into Nepal. Pasang often carried his mother on his back during this time. They arrived in India when he was 21 years old, in 2006. He entered the Tibetan Transit School in lower Dharamshala at that time and began studying English, Tibetan, and computers and after five years, when he was required to move on, he came to Gu Chu Sum, beginning his studies there in July of 2011.

Pasang hopes to continue studying English and to soon take exams at the Indira Gandhi National Open University in Delhi. If he passes these exams, he wants to study for maybe another three years and then hopes to travel the world to gain more experience and learn about other ways of life. He hopes to one day return to Tibet to teach the Tibetan and English languages there. He feels that many people his age in Tibet are lost for lack of a good education, and he wants to help them connect to the world.

Along these lines, although he is happy with the move towards democracy within the Tibetan government, he believes that it is a delicate balance between right and duty that many people in the Tibetan community may not understand, because it was simply handed to them, instead of their having to struggle for it. "All people want their rights, but not the responsibility to practice their duties" that are necessary in a democracy, he notes.

"The Chinese government is powerful, but not the problem in Tibet," he says, going on to explain that "people are the problem - if they do not understand and do not work together, then they become the problem." He believes that the Middle Way approach is perfect for the relationship between China and Tibet because it will allow both groups to live and work together peacefully in the same place. "All people want happiness - we can help each other to do that," he believes.

Rinchen Bom, a Tibetan man from Amdo region of eastern Tibet currently living in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

and sheep. Most of his time was spent in the mountains protecting the community from wolves and other dangerous predators.

"We rely on the yak to make tents and the sheep to make traditional Tibetan clothes.

"My mother and one older brother still live in Tibet as nomads. Life here in Dharmshala is completely different. " Bom said that, in Dharmshala, education is very important, whereas a nomad in Tibet needs different skills.

"My skills are gathering Yak and sheep, making tents and, with women, they make traditional Tibetan clothes."

He added that, in Dharamsala, it is important to speak different Tibetan dialects and be able to read and write.

Bom's journey from Tibet entailed two months of walking. He came to Dharamsala because he wanted to receive His Holiness the Dalai Lama's blessing.

The thing he misses most about Tibet is racing horses. During his childhood, the community held an annual horse racing competition in the summer, with around 200 participants. Bom casually stated, "I win many times. I miss Tibet and the mountains I used to live on."

He is currently applying for a visa from New Delhi, to return to Tibet with his wife and four children.

Bom hopes that, when he returns to Tibet, he and his wife will return to the nomadic life, whereas his children will live with his city-dwelling grandparents, and be able to continue their education.

"I feel it is my responsibility and duty to give them the opportunity for an education. I do not want them to struggle because they did not receive an education, like I did.

"After 12 years of school, my children can decide whatever it is they want to do with their future."

Russian Inaugurates Tuva State Two University Tibetan Honours... Museums .... Continues From Front Page

.... Continues From Front Page

couldn’t visit Tuva. However, many Buddhist followers from Russian regions including Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva have come here for teachings.’

The three day teaching, which included an introduction to Buddhism and Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of Training the Mind, attracted over 6,500 devotees including more than 1,300 Russians and over 1,000 disciples from Tibet, as well as visitors from Taiwan, Korea, The USA, Europe and I n d i a .

His Holiness will conduct his 32 nd Kalachakra initiation in Bodhgaya between January 1 – 10. The event is expected to attract over 200,000 devotees.

initiations at Bodh Gaya, also remarked that he learnt a lot about the difficulties Tibetans had to undergo in their 50 years of exile through the exhibition.

"The Tibet Museum was specially constructed keeping in mind the huge number of devotees from Nepal, Bhutan,India and the significant number of Tibetans from Tibet and Chinese who have come for the Kalachakra initiations," Mr. Tashi stated.

"Pamphlets written in English, Tibetan and Chinese are being distributed at the venue," he added.

The inaugural exhibition was thronged by visitors from all age groups trying to get a glimpse of the rare images of Tibet, one would easily be awed by.

TPI DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post

31 December, 2011 Dharamsala

3

His Holiness The Dalai lama His Holiness The Dalai lama Condoles Concerned Over Philippines Demise of Czech President Floods

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering prayers in Dharamshala, India.

Photo: TPI/File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala, India: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed his sadness and concern over the recent flooding in the Philippines that killed more than a thousand people and destroyed nearly 30,000 houses.

"In a letter to the President of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno Aquino III, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness and concern about the loss of lives and damage to property caused by the recent unprecedented flash floods on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

His Holiness offered his condolences to the families that have lost loved ones and prayers for the deceased and others affected by the devastating floods."

"As a token of sympathy and concern, a donation is made from The Dalai Lama Trust to support the relief work," according to the official website of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

More than 1000 people remain missing

in the region after devastating floods that have already killed at least 1000 others. The latest toll stood at 1079 missing and 1080 dead, the government announced today.

The United Nations (UN) on Thursday, December 22 appealed for aid for victims of floods, likening the devastation to that of a tsunami. The UN, which launched a $US28.6 million aid appeal on Thursday, likened the disaster to that of a tsunami.

According to media reports, the maritime search could continue for two more weeks, but warned that many bodies may have sunk underwater and would never be found. "The main priority was finding permanent shelter for the 309,000 people displaced by the floods, particularly more than 43,000 housed in cramped evacuation centres," an official told reporters.

Health officials have warned of the risk of epidemics breaking out at the camps, which remain without proper water supply and sanitation. Nearly 30,000

Dharamshala, India: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Monday, (December 19) expressed his sadness over the demise of the former President of Czech Republic Vaclav Havel and has conveyed his deep and heartfelt condolences to the late leader's family members. The former Czech President Havel, one of the leading anti-Communist dissidents of the 1970s and 1980s, has died at the age of 75, his spokeswoman announced Sunday (December 18).

Vaclav Havel on many occasions raised his voice over Human Rights violations in Tibet and expressed his support for Tibetans and His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Middle-way approach to solve the issue of Tibet.

In a message to to Mrs. Dagmar Havlova, wife of the former Czech President, Vaclav Havel, Holiness said "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of my dear friend, President Vรกclav Havel earlier today. In his death the world has lost a great statesman whose steadfast and unflinching determination played a key role in bringing freedom and democracy to the then Czechoslovakia."

"For me personally, I will miss my dear friend for whom I always had the greatest admiration and respect. He was an unassuming and a courageous leader.

"I pray for him and offer my heartfelt condolences to you, other members of your family and those who were closely associated with him."

"I first had the privilege of meeting President Vรกclav Havel in February

houses were destroyed and damaged.

The two cities are home to nearly a million people. Another 266,000 are being assisted outside temporary shelters.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with his old friend former President of the Czech Republic Vรกclav Havel in Prague on December 10, 2011. Photo/Ondr(ej Besperรกt

1990 -months after he became President following the Velvet Revolution, which he led with an extraordinary display of people power. Over the ensuing two decades I had the opportunity to meet with him regularly, most recently in Prague on December 10 - the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. said His Holiness.

"I deeply appreciated his kindness in keeping the time for our meeting despite his failing health," His Holiness added.

"Perhaps the best tribute we could honour and remember him is to work as best we can towards building a more peaceful, open and just world," the Tibetan spiritual leader further added.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier this December was invited to the Czech Republic by the former Czech president.

His Holiness had a short meeting with

His Holiness the Dalai Lama May Visit Holiest Buddhist Sites of Burma

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Begins 3-Day Teaching for Russian Buddhists

Buddhist followers from Russia attending teachings in Dharamshala, India, 19th December 2011. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Monday morning began a threeday Teaching events for the Russian Buddhists at the main Tibetan temple (Tsuklagkhang), Dharamshala, India.

The teachings will continue till December 21st. The spiritual event was organized by a Buddhist group led by Telo Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the

Republic of Kalmykia.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his first day teachings speaking on a basic introduction to Buddhism. From afternoon, His Holiness will teach on Tsongkhapa's "Destiny Fulfilled (tokjo dunlekma)" and Geshe Langri Thangpa's "Eight Verses of Training the Mind (lojong tsik gyema)."

"Today's teaching is mainly for the Buddhist followers from Russian

republic Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva, as your ancestors followed Buddhism for many hundreds of years," said His Holiness. "Many Buddhists from these regions in the last couple of decades became great Buddhist scholars after completing their studies from Buddhist institutions in Tibet."

Over 6,500 of devotees; Tibetans, Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mongolians, devotees from other Himalayan regions and more than 1300 Buddhists from Russian republic Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva packed the main Tibetan Temple in Himalayan hill town to listen to the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Also among the devotees are a large number of foreign tourists from around sixty different countries including US and Europe.

The teachings are being translated into Russian, simultaneous translations in English, Chinese and Japanese, Japanese, Spanish and Korean are also made available on FM radio. Live webcast of the teachings in English is available on the website of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and The Tibet Post International.

the former president during his threeday visit to the country. Havel thanked His Holiness the Dalai Lama, his longterm friend, and for arriving in the country where people love him.

"Vaclav Havel left us today," Sabina Tancevova said in a short statement on Havel's website. Havel, a puckish, absurdist playwright turned political activist, spent four and a half years in prison for opposing Czechslovakia's Communist government before emerging as a leader of the Velvet Revolution that swept it aside in 1989.

He went on to become president of Czechoslovakia, and of the Czech Republic when the country split in two at the end of 1992. He died peacefully in his sleep Sunday morning in the presence of his wife, Dagmar, Tancevova said.education (which he did in 1954).

Burmese Buddhist leader, Ashin Nyanissara, left, greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi. Photo: File

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his desire last week to visit Burma to pay homage at the country's holiest shrine of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon, the capital of Burma.

According to the Burmese media; 'The Irrawaddy.' A message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was conveyed to leaders of Burmese Buddhist monks at the Global Buddhist Congregation 2011 held in New Delhi, India, on Nov. 27.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he has a great friendship with Burmese monks because they are well-versed in Buddhist scripture and also strictly follow the code of conduct of monk-hood. And he wants to pay a pilgrimage to Shwedagon," said Ashin Nyanissara, an influential Burmese Buddhist monk who joined the event in Delhi.

Burmese Buddhist monks responded to the Tibetan spiritual leader by saying that he would be invited to Burma at an

appropriate time, Ashin Nyanissara said in a note posted on the internet.

The report said that, it is not clear when the Tibetan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate intends to come to Burma or if the Burmese government, a major ally of communist China, would issue a visa.

Naypyidaw has already angered Beijing recently through the suspension of the Chinese-backed hydropower dam project in northern Burma, The Chinese government has frequently interfered with foreign nations granting the Tibetan spiritual leader entry to their countries. However, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has canceled his plans to join the 80th birthday celebration of fellow Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu in South Africa this October. "There's no China's pressure being put on South Africa on this matter," Deputy Foreign Minister Marius Fransman told reporters.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is seeking a solution to the Tibetan problem through genuine autonomy, which is compatible with the principles on autonomy in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

For many occasions, The Tibetan spiritual leader had raised his voice over Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest in the region, strongly called for the release of the Nobel Peace laureate when he joined other Nobel Peace Prize winners, including Desmond Tutu, in Thailand in 1993. Thailand eventually agreed to provide him with a visa to attend the event despite fierce protests from Chinese government.

4

31 December, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI INTERNATIONAL

EU Delegation Disappointed Over Delay of Human Rights Dialogue

The European Parliament. Photo: File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - The European Union delegation to China voiced disappointment on Thursday after Chinese leaders failed to its proposals for dates in order to hold this year's 'EUChina Dialogue on Human Rights,' said a statement posted on the EU official website.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetan political leader was on his three day trip in European capital Brussels last month (27-29 November) at the invitation of parliament's Tibet inter-group and was the keynote speaker at the "Tibet conference on genuine autonomy."

Members of the European Parliament also criticized China's Treatment of Tibetans, accusing the Chinese regime of pursuing a "brutal" policy in Tibet.

"The EU deeply regrets that the second session of the EU-China Dialogue on Human Rights in 2011 will not take place as previously agreed," said in a statement issued by the European Union Delegation to China.

The delegation stated that "It is disappointed by the absence of an answer by the Chinese side to its proposals for dates in order to hold this session of the Dialogue before the end of the year. It notes that this is the second year in a row in which the

second session of the Dialogue is canceled."

"This essential component of the relationship between two strategic partners offers an invaluable platform to discuss all issues of concern. It contributes to improve our mutual understanding," said in the statement.

The promotion of human rights is an important dimension of European foreign policy, as enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union. The EU holds regular dialogues and consultations with more than 40 countries of all continents and will remain committed to the fulfillment of its obligations under international law.

In a separate statement, the Head of the EU Delegation to China, Markus Ederer, added that the EU will continue to engage the Chinese side to enhance the quality and format of the Dialogue.

During his three day visit, Dr. Sangay met with leading politicians and MEPs and addressed the European parliament's foreign affairs committee during its meeting. European government officials also strongly voiced concern about the rising number of recent self-immolations by Tibetans in Tibet, Dr. Sangay stated that his administration does not endorse the practice.

Hollywood Star, Richard Gere Wins George Eastman Award .... Continues From Front Page recipient of the George Eastman House Award for his work in film and his dedication to humanitarian causes.

Richard Gere, 62, a long time friend of Tibet and follower of the spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has expressed his deep concern over the ongoing crackdowns, torture and killing in Tibet, during a visit to South Korea in June this year to promote an exhibition of photos he took in the Himalayan territory. Gere said some of the images in the exhibition illustrated what he called the political oppression faced by his 'Tibetan brothers and sisters'.

According to the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film's announcement, Gere is the 67th recipient of the award, which has previously been given to legendary actors, like James Stewart, Gary Cooper

and Joan Crawford, and directors, like Cecil B. DeMille and Frank Capra.

Modern actors and directors to receive the award include Martin Scorsese, Isabella Rosselini and Meryl Streep.

Charles Chaplin also won the award.

Gere, has appeared over 40 films, according to media reports. His performances include Days of Heaven, An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman and Chicago. The star of such films as "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "Pretty Woman" is set to be honored Feb. 16 during a ceremony at Rochester's George Eastman House. In 2012, Gere will appear in Arbitrage, Henry & Me and Movie 43.

"He was nominated for an Emmy for "And the Band Played On" (1993) and a Screen Actors Guild Award for the musical "Chicago" (2002)," according to Syracuse.com.

The Tibet Post

China Among the World’s Worst Jailers of Journalists; Rights Group

By Rajeshwari K,, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala, India: - In 12th year in a row, New York based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has named China in its list of the world's worst jailers of journalists. China shares this space of being among the repressive regimes that obstruct free and fair journalism with Iran, Eriteria and Syria.

According to statistics, the number of journalists imprisoned across the world has soared up to more than 20 percent of its highest level since the mid-1990s owing to 34 journalists more imprisoned over its 2010 tally.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated that the Chinese government has been severe on Tibetans and has ‘ruthlessly cracked down on editors and writers who had sought to give a voice to the Tibetans and Uighurs.'

A total of 27 journalists including writers, editors and photojournalists were jailed in china; 10 of them Tibetans a17 of them who covered the oppressed ethnic groups said the facts stated in the CPJ press release.

The CPJ also expressed its fear regarding the possibility of more journalists languishing in Chinese prisons who have not come to the notice of news organizations and NGOs. The 10 Tibetans named in the list are Dhondup Wangchen - Filmmaker He was an independent filmmaker who was charged with inciting separatism and imprisoned on 26 March 2008. His movie ‘Jigdrel' (Leaving Fear Behind) made along with assistant Jigme Gyatso featured interviews with ordinary Tibetans about their lives under the Chinese rule in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Kunchok Tsephel Gopey -Writer Imprisoned on February 26, 2009, Kunchok Tsephel, an online writer is currently serving 15 years in prison on charges of disclosing state secrets. He used to run the websites about Tibetan Cultural Issues called CHOMEI Kunga Tsayang - Freelance writer An environmental activist and photographer, Kunga Tsayang wrote online articles under the penname GangNyi (Sun of Snow Land), and maintained his own website titled Zindris (Jottings).

He wrote several essays on politics in Tibet, including "Who Is the Real Instigator of Protests?" shortly after the 2008 uprisings in Tibet.

Imprisoned on March 17, 2009, Kunga Tsayang is currently serving a five-year jail term on charges of revealing state secrets.

Tashi Rabten - Editors Imprisoned on April 6, 2010, Tashi Rabten is currently serving four years in jail for

The largest armed forces country of communist China. Photo: File

editing a banned magazine Shar Dungri (Eastern Snow Mountain) and publishing a collection of articles titled Written in Blood following the March 2008 uprisings in Tibet.

Dokru Tsultrim - Freelance writer Imprisoned on May 24, 2010, Dokru Tsultrim, a monk from Ngaba Gomang Monastery is being held for no formal charges or trial proceedings.

Dokru Tsultrim was detained in April 2009 for alleged anti-government writings and articles in support of the Dalai Lama and for publishing a private Tibetan journal, Khawai Tsesok (Life of Snow).

The three men were arrested in 2010 for writing in the Tibetan-language magazine Shar Dungri.

Jangtse Donkho - Freelance writer.

Detained on June 21, 2010, he was an author and editor who wrote under the penname Nyen, (Wild One) and is currently serving a four-year jail term for contributing to the Tibetan language

magazine Shar Dungri.

Buddha - Practicing physician cum Freelance writer and Kalsang Jinpa Freelance writer These two men were tried together on 21 October 2010 for inciting separatism through their articles they published in Shar Dungri magazine, and were given jail terms of four and three years, respectively.

Jolep Dawa - Editor Imprisoned on October 1, 2010, Jolep Dawa, a Tibetan writer and editor of a monthly Tibetan-language magazine, Durab Kyi Nga is currently serving three years in prison.

Choepa Lugyal (Meycheh) - Freelance Imprisoned on October 19, 2011, Choepa Lugyal, a publishing house employee who wrote online under the name Meycheh, is currently serving a four year jail term. Choepa Lugyal wrote several print and online articles, including pieces for the Tibetan magazine Shar Dungri.

Int'l Conference on Democracy and the Future of Tibet Held in Taiwan

Conference on 'Democracy and the Future of Tibet' at Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Tibet.net

In 1991, Gere started the Gere Foundation, which advocates for the preservation of Tibet and its people. He has also long been prominent in the fight against HIV-AIDS. WHAM reported that Gere is also an avid photographer, with his photograph exhibit, Pilgrim, traveling to 11 countries around the world.

Past recipients of the George Eastman Award include Lauren Bacall, Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep. The George Eastman House is located in Rochester, NY. They will be handing Gere the award on Feb. 16. Tickets for the program go on sale on Jan. 17.

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

TAIPEI: An international conference on 'Democracy and the Future of Tibet' was held in Taipei. The Conference was organized by the Tibetan community of Taiwan and the TaiwanTibet Friendship Association on 24 December.

Intellectuals, researchers and university students from India, France, United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan participated in the conference.

The conference was inaugurated with an opening message from Kalon Tripa

Dr Lobsang Sangay which was read out to the participants by the representative of His Holiness from the Office of Tibet, Taiwan.

The conference was attended by the Representative of His Holiness and his staff, Sangye Kyap from the China desk of Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration as well as by the members of students for a free Tibet, Taiwan-Tibet Friendship Association and Hong Kong-Tibet Friendship Association.

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

The Tibet Post

31 December, 2011 Dharamsala

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Student Conference Pays Sino-Indian Relationship Is Very Complex, Homage To Sacrifices and Tibet is One Factor Struggle of Tibet

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

The 6th Tibetan college student conference been held in a Tibetan Youth Hostel,Bangalore. Photo: TPI

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Dharamshala, India: - Tibetan students from around the country gathered in Bangalore to remember his sacrifice and the sacrifice of many more oppressed monks and Tibetans who have set themselves on fire, protesting against Chinese oppression in the lost country.

The 6th annual Tibetan College Students Conference started with the gathering placing Tibetan flags on a map of Tibet made out of twenty tonnes of soil from Tibet brought to India by New Yorkbased artist Tenzin Rigdol.

S. Suresh Kumar (Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs,Karnataka), Kolon Dickyi Chhoyang, (Minister of Information and International relation CTA), Mrs Aasha Reddy, a strong supporter of Tibet's freedom and Human Rights in Tibet and Mr Tashi Phuntsok (CRO. South Zone inaugurated the 6th Tibetan College Students' Conference at the Tibetan Youth Hostel in Bangalore.

This event where Mr. Kumar was the chief guest and Dickyi Chhoyang was

heading the conference saw 68 students from 14 different locations in India and Nepal take active part in discussions. The first day of the conference had Ms Asha Reddy being awarded the Pawo Thupten Ngodup Award for selfless contribution towards the Tibetan cause and for providing help to many a Tibetan college student.

The subject of the conference was the recent incidents of self-immolation taking place inside Tibet. This three-day seminar is expected to have passionpacked discussions involving speeches, debates regarding various issues inside Tibet. Honorable resource persons are also expected to extend their views regarding the same.

Overview Thupten Ngodup was a cook and cow herder in the Dip Tsechokling monastery situated in Tibet. On April 27, 1998, he set himself ablaze in Delhi and died holding his hands up in prayer and chanting for a free Tibet.

A Tibetan Honored For Distinguished Service To Education

Sonam Wangdu receiving the award. Photo: TPI

By Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - The manager of a Tibetan school in Uttarakhand has won a prestigious award for ‘distinguished services in the field of education.'

Sonam Wangdu, who founded the Dawa Rinjue School, in Herbertpur, in 1991, was presented with the honours award by Chairman of the Standing Committee for

the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Sh. Oscar Fernandes M.P., at the Independent Schools Federation of India's annual national conference in New Delhi, on November 28.

In the Presence of chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education, Sh. Vineet Joshi , and other dignitaries,

Dharamshala, India: - Speaking to the staff of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), the Tibet Policy Institute and the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), Dr Dibyesh Anand gave a brief talk on Sino-Indian relations and the Tibet factor.

Dr Dibyesh Anand is an associate professor of International Relations at the University of Westminster, London and an expert on majority-minority relations in China and India. He is the author of Geopolitical Exotica: Tibet in Western Imagination.

Sino-Indian relations is very complex and Tibet is just one of the factors, Dr Anand said.

Speaking on the Tibetan diaspora in India, he said the Tibetan people are grateful for the hospitality provided by the Indian government. At the same time, he says the Tibetans too have contributed a lot to India in terms of revitalizing Buddhist culture throughout the Himalayas.

Talking about Tibetans taking citizenship of other countries, Dr Anand said feelings and emotions are not

Dr Dibyesh Anand at the talk with Tsering Tsomo of TCHRD. Photo: TPI/Pema Tso

shaped by passports and added that attaining citizenship can lessen refugee vulnerability.

Recalling one of his earlier visits to Tibet, he said the nature of development in Tibet is very problematic. There are better roads, better houses, better everything but the dignity of the Tibetan people is not respected, he said.

At the end of the talk, Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Central Tibetan

Administration's Department of Information and International Relations ( DIIR) thanked Dr Dibyesh Anand and presented him a book as a token of appreciation.

The talk was a joint initiative by the the newly formed, Tibet Policy Institute, a think-tank of the Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD).

Student Conference Pays Homage To Sacrifices and Struggle of Tibet

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Dharamsala, India: The recent string of self-immolations inside Tibet is an open indication of the state of intolerance in the minds of citizens towards repressive Chinese policies.

In an act of open rebellion, 12 different cases of monks, nuns and former monks setting themselves on fire have taken place. All these acts of self-inflicted violence where six victims succumbed to their injuries were carried out to protest Beijing's tight control of the Tibetan plateau.

The current situations inside Tibet, especially eastern Tibet continues to be volatile and more number of locals are standing up for their rights.

The exiled Tibetans are making every effort to support their brethren trapped inside the totalitarian regime to regain their lost rights. Many an initiative has been taken up by the exiled Tibetans and Tibet supporters across the globe to gather international attention

Wangdu dedicated his award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, which provided his own education, adding that it is as a result of his education that he is able to contribute to the Tibetan community, helping to preserve its language and cultural identity.

The school, which started with just 12 students and three teachers, has swelled over the past two decades to accommodate 700 Tibetan and Indian students up to grade 10, and 20 members of staff.

Wangdu added that the school's main aims are to ‘provide a firm foundation of education to the children so they may grow up to be good citizens, and to make the students responsible, well disciplined, self reliant, loyal and patriotic.'

Tibetan singer Tsering Gyurmed with Techung. Photo: Tibet Music

towards the state of despair inside Tibet.

The Alliance of Tibetan Musicians in honour of the Tibetan martyrs and

freedom fighters are hence organizing a concert to express gratitude to the resilience of the living during the Kalachakra Festival in Bodh Gaya, India.

The concerts will be held on 31st December 2011 to 2nd January 2012 starting from 6:30 pm every day near Nyingma Gonpa Monastery. Featuring acclaimed artistes like Tsering Gyurme, Tenzin Gyalpo, Tenzin Woeser, Choedak, Techung and many more, the opening night will have an assorted audience which will include guest of honours from the exile administration, non government organization, media, pilgrims and tourists.

Having worked for years to preserve and promote Tibetan art and culture along with simultaneously striving towards regaining Tibet's lost freedom, the alliance hopes to gather heavy international attention in favour of the third pole's independence through this concert.

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay Inaugurates New Canara Bank at Gangkyi .... Continues From Front Page Circle, for inviting him as the chief guest and welcomed the new branch manager, Mr Urgyan Norbu to Gangkyi.

According to the Tibetan official media, Tibet Net, Kalon Tripa said that he hoped the bank will live up to its obligations and serve the Tibetan clients better, and added that he was looking forward to a productive relationship with the bank.

He said the previous Kashag had allocated this location to Canara Bank after a lot of deliberation since it was a prime location in Gangkyi.

Mr Bikas Adhikari, in his welcome note, thanked the Kalon Tripa for obliging to inaugurate the new branch of the Canara bank and the Central Tibetan

Administration for providing such a beautiful location.

He urged the Tibetans to take advantage of the bank's various schemes like education loans and assured that the bank would work to the best of its ability to serve its clients, hoping that the Tibetans would be active members of the bank.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Kalons and Secretaries of the various Departments of the Central Tibetan Administration as well as by the Justice Commissioners of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission and by the Chairman of the Central Tibetan Election Commission.

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TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

A Leading Protester of Top Tibet Official Urges China to Ensure Safety of Tibetan Students 2008 Tibet Uprising Jailed to Five Years

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Armed Chinese paramilitary force deployed in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 19th October 2011. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - A Chinese Intermediate People's Court sentenced a leading Tibetan protester from Ngaba region of eastern Tibet to five years imprison for his involvement in 2008 peaceful protest against Chinese harsh treatment of the Tibetan people in their homeland, Tibet.

"It has been learned that on November 29th, Tsering, son of the Lori (Father) and Chokyong Tso (Mother) from Raru village, Cha township, Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, was sentenced to 5 years by the Ngaba county intermediate peoples court," said Ven. Losang Yeshe and Kanyag Tsering from Kirti Monastery in exile.

"Tsering was taken elsewhere. He became a monk at Kirti monastery from a young age, but disrobed in 2007 and returned to his family in the pastoral area. He participated in the protest in Cha township in March 2008, and then went into hiding to evade arrest," according to exile Tibetan sources.

The 26 year old, One of the 2008 leading protesters in the region "remained in hiding until around April 2010, when he was arrested from a restaurant in Ngaba town. He has been in detention awaiting trial since that time," they said.

"During his time in hiding, police came looking for him many times, saying that he was a ringleader of the Cha protest, and they searched for him throughout the area."

"Meanwhile, others in detention after their arrests in or after March this year, such as Gerik of Me'uruma township and Ngaba Kirti monk Jigme, have still not been brought to trial," .

Overview In the 2008 violent repression that followed, 220 Tibetans were killed, nearly 1,300 were injured and nearly 7,000 were detained or imprisoned, according to the Tibetan government in exile.

Total 13 Tibetans since 2009, most of them monks or former monks and In the past nine months, 12 Tibetans living inside Tibet have set themselves on fire protesting the Chinese repressive policies and tyrannical rule. Tibetans in exile across the world urged all international communities and governments concerned with human rights in China to articulate publicly their concerns about the deteriorating environment, and to press the Chinese government to address the fundamental human right of Tibetans in Tibet.

It is over 60 years since China's army invaded Tibet; 60 years in which to win Tibetan hearts and minds, to assimilate Tibet into mainland China. Yet Tibetans in all parts of Tibet remain strongly united, over the decades they have rejected and continue to actively resist Chinese rule, through protests, nonviolent direct action, or by fleeing into exile.

Tibetan Monk Tabey is Alive But Crippled - Beijing Blogger Woeser .... Continues From Front Page ‘Both of his feet have become useless and even his arm has become next to numb. Scars of the gunshot on his feet are clearly visible," she added.

Reports say that Tabey's mother is nursing the monk in the hospital but is forbidden from leaving the hospital or talking to outsiders. His uncle is believed to be the only outside visitor allowed to visit him.

OVERVIEW Three years ago, on 27th February 2009, over a thousand monks protested at Kirti monastery in Ngaba town demanding to be allowed to hold the prayer festival.

Tabey doused himself in petrol and self himself on fire protesting the Chinese

government's restrictions on holding the annual great prayer festival of Monlam Chenmo.

Within minutes of the self-immolation, the place was swarming with Chinese armed police who fired rounds at Tabey's feet to stop him from marching around while on fire.

Local witnesses had told the reporters that the monk was taken away in a Chinese police van as soon as he fell down and his whereabouts have been unknown ever since.

Thirteen Tibetans inside Tibet and one Tibetan outside Tibet have immolated themselves in protest of the Chinese atrocities and demanding the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet since 2009.

Dharamshala, India: - Ms. Decki Chhoyang, Kalon for Ministry of Information spoke to reporters after Chinese students beating Tibetan students and breaking into their dormitories and class rooms in a Chinese vocational institute in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Ms. Dicki Chhoyang, information minister of the Central Tibetan Administration told reporters that she was deeply disturbed and concerned by recent reports of confrontations between Tibetan and Chinese students at a school in Chengdu town of Chinese Sichuan Province, which led to several Tibetans being hospitalised after they were beaten by an overwhelming number of Chinese students.

"The Central Tibetan Administration is deeply disturbed and concerned by news of confrontations, on December 14th 2011, between Tibetan and Chinese students at the Railway Engineering School in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan," the Information & International Relations minister told Tibetan reporters Tuesaday during a press conference here in Dharamshala, India.

"About 3,000 Chinese students are reported to have entered into a fight with a few hundred Tibetan students.

Several Tibetan students are said to have been hospitalized due to injuries," the DIIR kalon said.

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang expressed concern over similar reports of tensions between Tibetan and Chinese students in the Chengdu area in 2010, when a Tibetan student named Pasang was stabbed to death at the Light

Minister Dicki Chhoyang speaking to Tibetan journalists at a news conference in Dharamsala, India, on 20 December 2011. Photo: TPI/Sangay Dorjee

Engineering School in Zigong city. "It remains unknown whether the assailant(s) were arrested and prosecuted," she added.

"In light of these recent events, we encourage Tibetan students to focus on their studies and maintain cordial relations with other fellow students in keeping with our traditional values. Our pride in our Tibetan identity and heritage does not rest on a show of physical force, but through academic excellence," she added.

"With Tibetan students reported to study in 12 cities in mainland China, the Chinese government must ensure their personal safety," she said.

"In keeping with its claim to build a harmonious society, we hope the PRC government will take the necessary measures to promote good relations between Chinese and Tibetan people.

Consequently, such efforts will facilitate positive interactions between Chinese

and Tibetan students," she added.

"The Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration would like to reiterate that the Tibetan struggle is neither antiChina nor anti-Chinese. We strive for the restoration of freedom in Tibet through peaceful dialogue," the minister said.

OVERVIEW December 16: Over 3000 Chinese students went on a rampage Wednesday night, beating Tibetan students and breaking into their dormitories and class rooms in a Chinese vocational institute in Chengdu.

Many Tibetan students have been reportedly hospitalised carrying severe injuries. After the school authorities failed to quell the clashes, police had to be called to control the situation. More than 1000 People's Armed Police personnel arrived at the scene and reportedly hurled tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Pema Tso: Tibetan Female Fashionista in Dharamsala, India

By Viki Rey Eagle, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - On Temple Road in McLeod, Dharamshala, on the way down to His Holiness the Dalai Lama temple, lies a clothing shop run by a woman from Tibet, 22-year-old Pema Tso. Tso, who was sporting furry boots and a fitted one-piece dress on the day TPI interviewed her, is the one to go to for fashion advice in Dharamsala.

"I grew up in Tibet," she said. "My parents were farmers who grew vegetables, rice and barley. I did not go to school when I was in Tibet."

Tso came to Dharmshala in 2010 to receive His Holiness the Dalai Lama's blessing. She obtained a Chinese passport. "It is not very easy to get, but eventually I received it," she said.

Unlike the majority of Tibetans who make the ‘illegal' walk to Kathmandu in Nepal and register at the Tibetan Reception Centre there, Tso took a bus to the Tibetan capital Lhasa to receive her documents.

She works at the clothing shop seven days a week, from 9am to 7pm and, in her free time, studies English and IT. The shop is owned by a Japanese woman, and stocks the latest fashions from colorful scarves and dress shirts to one-piece dresses and pea coats in a modern east-Asian style.

Fashion is certainly on the agenda for

Tibetan female fashionista from Dharamshala, India, Miss. Pema Tso. Photo: TPI

young Tibetans in Dharmshala, where new trends in hair-styles and Western

clothes continue to emerge.

However, Tso said she misses her family, who are still farming in Tibet, and is looking forward to seeing them next year.

"I hope to go back to Tibet and open up my own clothing shop," she said. "I have learned a lot about the business working here."

"In Tibet, we are hoping that the Dalai Lama will be able to come back to Tibet one day," she said.

Regarding Tibet's future, Tso remains optimistic that things will work out for the best, saying Tibetans rest their hopes in His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Dr Lobsang Sangay, the new Kalon Tripa (political leader) of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile.

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Top Most Dangerous Places For Reporters, The Karmapa Wishes for Peace and Harmony in the New Year China Among Biggest Prisons? .... Continues From Front Page International by Paris-based media rights watchdog, Reporters Without Borders( www.rsf.org).

Reporters Without Borders has this year, for the first time, compiled a list of the world's 10 most dangerous places for the media - the 10 cities, districts, squares, provinces or regions where journalists and netizens were particularly exposed to violence and where freedom of information was flouted.

Overall, 2011 took a heavy toll on media freedom. The Arab Spring was at the centre of the news. Of the total of 66 journalists killed in 2011, 20 were killed in the Middle East (twice as many as in 2010). A similar number were killed in Latin America, which is very exposed to the threat of criminal violence. For the second year running, Pakistan was the single deadliest country with a total of 10 journalists killed, most of them murdered. China, Iran and Eritrea continue to be the world's biggest prisons for the media.

The Arab Spring, the protest movements it inspired in nearby countries such as Sudan and Azerbaijan, and the street protests in other countries such as Greece, Belarus, Uganda, Chile and the United States were responsible for the dramatic surge in the number of arrests, from 535 in 2010 to 1,044 in 2011. There were many cases of journalists being physically obstructed in the course of their work (by being detained for short periods or being summoned for interrogation), and for the most part they represented attempts by governments to suppress information they found threatening.

The 43 per cent increase in physical attacks on journalists and the 31 per cent increase in arrests of netizens - who are leading targets when they provide information about street demonstrations during media blackouts - were also significant developments in a year of protest. Five netizens were killed in 2011, three of them in Mexico alone.

From Cairo's Tahrir Square to Khuzdar in southwestern Pakistan, from Mogadishu to the cities of the Philippines, the risks of working as a journalist at times of political instability were highlighted more than ever in 2011.

The street was where danger was to be found in 2011, often during demonstrations that led to violent clashes with the security forces or degenerated into open conflict. The 10 places listed by Reporters Without Borders represent extreme cases of censorship of the media and violence against those who tried to provide freely and independently reported news and information.

(Listed by alphabetical order of country) Manama, Bahrain The Bahraini authorities did everything possible to prevent international coverage of the pro-democracy demonstrations in the capital, Manama, denying entry to some foreign reporters, and threatening or attacking other foreign reporters or their local contacts. Bahraini journalists, especially photographers, were detained for periods ranging from several hours to several weeks. Many were tried before military tribunals until the state of emergency imposed on 15 March was lifted. After months of demonstrations, order was finally restored thanks to

systematic repression. A blogger jailed by a military court is still in prison and no civilian court ever reviewed his conviction. Bahrain is an example of news censorship that succeeded with the complicity of the international community, which said nothing. A newspaper executive and a netizen paid for this censorship with their lives.

Abidjan, C么te d'Ivoire Abobo, Adjam茅, Plateau, Koumassi, Cocody, Yopougon... all of these Abidjan neighbourhoods were dangerous places for the media at one stage or another during the first half of 2011. Journalists were stopped at checkpoints, subjected to heavyhanded interrogation or physically attacked. The headquarters of the national TV station, RTI, was the target of airstrikes. A newspaper employee was beaten and hacked to death at the end of February. A Radio Yopougon presenter was the victim of an executionstyle killing by members of the Forces R茅publicaines de C么te d'Ivoire (FRCI) in May. The post-election crisis that led to open war between the supporters of the rival presidential contenders, Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara, had a dramatic impact on the safety of journalists. During the Battle of Abidjan, the country's business capital, at the start of April, it was completely impossible for journalists to move about the city.

Cairo's Tahrir Square, Egypt The pro-democracy demonstrations that finally forced Hosni Mubarak to stand down as president on 20 February began at the end of January in Tahrir Square, now the emblem of the Arab Spring uprisings. Foreign journalists were systematically attacked during the incredibly violent first week of February, when an all-out hate campaign was waged against the international media from 2 to 5 February. More than 200 violations were reported. Local journalists were also targeted. The scenario was similar six months later from 19 to 28 November, in the run-up to parliamentary elections, and during the weekend of 17-18 December - during the crackdown on new demonstrations to demand the departure of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.

Misrata, Libya After liberating Benghazi, the antiGaddafi rebels took Misrata, Libya's third largest city and a strategic point for launching an offensive on Tripoli.

But the regular army staged a counteroffensive and laid siege to the city, cutting it off from the rest of the world and imposing a news and information blockade lasting many weeks, during which its main road, Tripoli Street, was repeatedly the scene of particularly intense fighting. The Battle of Misrata highlighted the risks that reporters take in war zones. Two of the five journalists killed in Libya in 2011 lost their lives in this city.

Veracruz state, Mexico Located on the Gulf of Mexico and long dominated by the cartel of the same name, Veracruz state is a hub of all kinds of criminal trade, from drug trafficking to contraband in petroleum products.

In 2011, it became the new epicentre of the federal offensive against the cartels and three journalists were killed there in the course of the year. Around 10 others fled the state as a result of the growing threats to freedom of

information and because of the inaction or complicity of the authorities in the face of this threat.

Khuzdar, Pakistan The many cases of journalists who have been threatened or murdered in Khuzdar district, in the southwestern province of Balochistan, is typical of the extreme violence that prevails in this part of Pakistan. The province's media are caught in the crossfire between the security forces and armed separatists.

The murder of Javed Naseer Rind, a former assistant editor of the Daily Tawar newspaper, was the latest example. His body was found on 5 November, nearly three months after he was abducted. An anti-separatist group calling itself the Baloch Musallah Defa Army issued a hit-list at the end of November naming four journalists as earmarked for assassination.

The Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro metropolitan areas on the islands of Luzon and Mindanao, Philippines Most of the murders and physical attacks on journalists in the Philippines take place in these three metropolitan areas. The paramilitary groups and private militias responsible were classified as "Predators of Press Freedom" in 2011. The government that took office in July has still not come up with a satisfactory response, so these groups continue to enjoy a total impunity that is the result of corruption, links between certain politicians and organized crime, and an insufficiently independent judicial system.

Mogadishu, Somalia Mogadishu is a deadly capital where journalists are exposed to terrible dangers, including being killed by a bomb or a stray bullet or being deliberately targeted by militias hostile to the news media. Although the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab withdrew from the capital, fighting continues and makes reporting very dangerous. Three Somali journalists were killed in Mogadishu this year, in August, October and December. And a visiting Malaysian cameraman sustained a fatal gunshot injury to the chest in September while accompanying a Malaysian NGO as it was delivering humanitarian assistance.

Deraa, Homs and Damascus, Syria Deraa and Homs, the two epicentres of the protests against Bashar al-Assad's regime, have been completely isolated.

They and Damascus were especially dangerous for journalists in 2011. The regime has imposed a complete media blackout, refusing to grant visas to foreign reporters and deporting those already in the country. The occasional video footage of the pro-democracy demonstrations that began in March has been filmed by ordinary citizens, who risk their lives to do so. Many have been the victims of arrest, abduction, beatings and torture for transmitting video footage or information about the repression.

The mukhabarat (intelligence services), shabihas (militias) and their cyber-army have been used by the regime to identify and harass journalists. Physical violence is very common. Many bloggers and journalists have fled the country.

Around 30 journalists are currently believed to be detained.

Sanaa's Change Square, Yemen Change Square in Sanaa was the centre of the protests against President Ali

The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorje. Photo:TPI

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Dharamshala: In an address the 17th Karmapa, officially known as His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, made to the media regarding the end of the current year and the fast approaching new year, he stated that he wishes we live this year with mutual love and respect for one another and for the earth that is our common home.

Referring to the popular belief that the world might end in 2012, he said "In fact, we never know what any given year might hold. But if we are sincerely committed to following a path of compassion and wisdom, this uncertainty about the future need not cause us any concern.

Whatever happens, we can simply keep

our focus directed steadily at what matters most-cultivating compassion and equanimity, and acting to benefit others.""If we harbor this attitude in our hearts, we can make anything that occurs positive for ourselves and for others," he added.

Speaking of the numerous natural diasters that struck the planet this year, he offered his prayers to all those who suffered turmoil this year.

He concluded by stating that he offers his prayers to all those connected with him in any way during this year and to those who will connect in the coming future.

"May you find lasting happiness and peace. May all of us who share this planet go forward together into the new year in harmony," he concluded.

China Must Begin Dialogue with Tibet, Cambodian Parliamentarians Say .... Continues From Front Page issued by three MPs, Son Chhay , Cheam Channy and Yont Tharo from the opposition Sam Rainsy party.

Expressing serious concern over the recent spate of self-immolations in Tibet, the MPs said, "these acts of selfimmolation make sense when one considers the decades of repression, intimidation, fear, and violence that Tibetans have endured daily under China's rule which only appears to be worsening."

"Knowing that torture is in store for them in Chinese prisons, and that they cannot depend upon any judicial process, Tibetans are now choosing to burn themselves alive. The Dalai Lama himself noted how these incidents of selfimmolation reflect a sign of deep desperation," they added.

The MPs stressed that the Chinese officials should review their past ruthless actions and policies on Tibet.

Abdallah Saleh and it is there that much of the violence and abuses against journalists took place. Covering the demonstrations and the many bloody clashes with the security forces was dangerous for the media, which were directly targeted by a regime bent on crushing the pro-democracy movement and suppressing coverage of it. Two journalists were killed while covering these demonstrations. Pro-government militiamen known as baltajiyas also carried out punitive raids on the media.

Physical violence, destruction of equipment, kidnappings, seizure and destruction of newspapers, and attacks on media offices were all used as part of a policy of systematic violence against

They strongly disapproved of the Chinese move to force Tibetans under 18 years of age to attend government schools, imposing fines of 3,000 yuan on a single child if he was to become a monk or study at monastery school.

"China needs to realise that it will be unable to change Tibetans' hearts and minds," the Cambodian MPs said.

"We demand that the Chinese Government must immediately put an end to its oppressive policy and human rights violations, and begin sincere dialogue with the Dalai Lama," they said.

"The international community must take note of what is happening because it is clear the Tibetans are using desperate measures to draw our attention to their suffering. Further repression by the Chinese will only lead to further instability. A new year 2012 is emerging and this is an opportune time for us to encourage China to begin a new dialogue with Tibet," they added. media personnel.

Reporters Without Borders' 2011 in figures: 66 journalists killed (16% more than in 2010) 1,044 journalists arrested 1,959 journalists physically attacked or threatened 499 media censored 71 journalists kidnapped 73 journalists fled their country 5 netizens killed 199 bloggers and netizens arrested 62 bloggers and netizens physically attacked 68 countries subject to Internet censorship

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Confluence of Science and Buddhism in Dharamsala, India promoting knowledge in modern science and closer contact with Buddhist science. It is part of your contribution towards promoting inner values like compassion and warmheartedness, which are the seeds of inner strength and it is universal. All the major religious traditions preach these values."

Dr Bryce E Johnson, Project Manager of Science for Monks and Staff Scientist at the Exploratorium, said: "For over 10 years, Science for Monks has brought science to select groups of scholarly Tibetan Buddhist monastics and developed science leadership within the monastic community. The conference and the workshops will position a new cadre of monastics to support and grow the dialogue between Buddhism and modern science."

During the course of the conference, the participants will discuss a range of subjects such as the nature of mind and consciousness, life and consciousness in the universe, limits of knowledge and knowing, mind, awareness, and behaviour, and serving humanity. They will discuss how best to advance investigations at the intersection of science and spirituality.

Consonant with Holiness the Dalai Lama's vision, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has made a historic stride in introducing science education to the Tibetan Buddhist monastic learning centers in the last one decade.

Since 2001, it has established Science for Monks programme and Monastic Graduates Project through innovative partnerships with the Sager Science Leadership Institute, the Emory University, Exploratorium, and John Templeton Foundation.

Over the years, Western scientists have taught more than 220 monks and nuns about physics, quantum mechanics, cosmology, biology, neuroscience, and mathematics, all with a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry.

"Teaching the monastic graduates science, empowers them to better articulate points of relevance between and across traditions. Further, we have found that experiences rich in inquiry efficiently break down misconceptions, best represent the spirit of scientific process and provide a rich context for dialogue," Geshe Lhakdor said.

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today inaugurated a threeday international conference on ‘Cosmology and Consciousness', which brought together Tibetan Buddhist scholars and top scientists to explore ways to promote the integration of spiritual values and scientific investigations.

The conference is an initiative of the Science for Monks Program under the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA), which has taught science to Tibetan monks since 2001 under the inspiration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Sager Science Leadership Institute, Emory University, and John Templeton Foundation are part of this initiative.

This conference opens up the dialogue to the Tibetan monastic community in an unprecedented way. In addition to the panelists, eighteen Tibetan scholars from thirteen monasteries and nunneries will be engaged in the dialogue with scientists for the first time.

"It is not only the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, but the need of the time for Tibetans, and particularly Tibetan Buddhist monastics, to become conversant with modern science," said Geshe Lhakdor, the director of LTWA. "Monastics studying modern science is a historic step in the history of

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the opening session of the international conference on Cosmology and Consciousness – A Dialogue between Buddhist Scholars and Scientists on Mind and Matter’, at the TCV school in Dharamsala, India, on 16 December 2011/ Photo by Namgyal Tsewang

monastic education and Tibetan Buddhism. Through becoming wellversed in traditional philosophical studies and modern science, it is our hope that monks and nuns can make a

significant contribution to the betterment of the physical and mental health of people everywhere," he said.

In his address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama clarified that science and

US Boosts Tibet Outreach with New VPP Lhasa Website

Buddhism do not contradict each other, as both are underpinned by a common principle of in-depth inquiry and analysis.

His Holiness spoke on how science and Buddhism can work together to bring about inner peace and happiness in the world. "Wisdom alone is not sufficient to bring about mental peace, it should be generated by studying and training the mind," he said.

"The Tibetan Buddhism, a quintessential part of the Nalanda tradition, is the most profound and comprehensive tradition to study the mind. It can make a remarkable contribution to the scientists. It is the precious gem of the whole world," His Holiness said.

Emphasising the need to expand the propagation of Buddhist science and interaction with modern science, His Holiness called for greater efforts to generate more proficient science teachers and reference materials within the Tibetan community.

Thanking the scientists, His Holiness said: "You all have helped immensely in

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By Rajeshwari K,, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala, India: - The American Consulate announced the launch of a new website for the Virtual Presence Post (VPP) in Lhasa, Tibet, earlier this month.

The US Consular General in Chengdu said that the Lhasa VPP will focus on planning and promoting outreach events in Lhasa, providing American Citizen Services to U.S. citizens in Lhasa, and highlighting areas of cooperation between the United States and the people of Lhasa.

The website which can be viewed in Tibetan, English and Mandarin seeks to embrace a shared future and enhance

cooperation between those living in Lhasa and the people of United States of America.

The US House of Representatives had passed a bill to set up a US consulate in Tibet and to create a ‘Tibet Section,' at the US embassy in Beijing in 2009 but it did not materialize any time soon.

This VPP comes as pleasant news after the US House Foreign Affairs Committee in July had taken up a stand denying permissions for additional Chinese consulates in America until China agreed to the setting up of a US consulate in Lhasa, Tibet.

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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

WHAT ARE VPPS? VPPs are a relatively new diplomatic approach aimed at broadening US engagement with key cities, communities, regions, and countries where there are no American embassies or consulate buildings.

VPPs provide a low but formal level of diplomatic engagement, with officials from nearby embassies or consulates regularly traveling to the place, holding public outreach programs and media events, thereby creating a virtual presence capable of directly interacting with the local population.

Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Sophie Jay

Carly Selby-James Samuel Ivo Colleen McKown Brionie Pereira Dennis Barbion Rajeshwari K 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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