The Tibet Post International Online Newspaper

Statement Regarding Critical Situation in Tibet Page 5 ...

Vol. 02, Issue 59, 15 February, 2012 Three Tibetans Self-immolate in Tibet

Teenage Nun Latest To Self-Immolate In Tibet I n t e r n a t i o n a l B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

Bi-Monthly

Page 3 ... www.thetibetpost.com

Rs.5

Archbishop Desmond Tutu visits His Holiness in McLeod Ganj

By Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

This pic is taken in 2010 during one peaceful protest in Serta county, eastern Tibet for the protection of the environnement. Photo: File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - One Tibetan died and two other serious injured by setting themselves on fire in Serta county, eastern Tibet in protests against Chinese rule on February 3, weeks after armed Chinese forces troops opened fire on a crowd of Tibetan protesters in the region, leaving six dead, several others seriously wounded.

One of them reportedly died on the spot but his identity and details are still unknown, according See Page 8 ...

Walk Campaign for Peace & Freedom

Dharamshala: Archbishop Desmond Tutu begged the Chinese government to respect His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a joyful meeting between the Nobel Peace laureates today.

Addressing the thousands of monks, nuns, families and schoolchildren who turned out in brilliant sunshine to see the Nobel Peace prize laureates at the Main Temple in McLeod Ganj, Tutu described the 77-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader as the holist man he has ever met, adding: ‘I want to say to the Chinese government that His Holiness is the most peace loving person on earth.

‘His Holiness has no army. He does not command people with guns. His Holiness is not a separatist.

‘Please you leaders in Beijing. Please respect him.'

Devotees and well-wishers began filling the Main Temple at dawn, before His Holiness travelled to Gaggal Airport to receive the South African archbishop and his wife Nomalizo Leah Shenxane, who stopped off to see his old friend as part of a five day visit to India to promote Girls Not Brides, a global initiative against child marriage.

In October, Tutu launched an angry verbal attack on South Africa's ANC government, branding it ‘worse than the apartheid government' and threatening to pray for the party's defeat, after it failed to grant His Holiness a visa so that he could deliver a lecture at the archbishop's 80th birthday celebrations.

His Holiness presents a khatag to fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate, archbishop Desmond Tutu, at the Main Temple in McLeod Ganj. Photo: TPI

During today's public ceremony, Tutu affectionately jibed his fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate, recounting the time he accompanied His Holiness to a Seattle football stadium packed with 60,000 people who had turned out ‘for someone who can't even speak English properly!'

Emphasizing between giggles that he is not jealous of the fact that His Holiness is ‘loved by everybody in the world,' Tutu promised his friend that he would one day visit him in a free Tibet, urging God to hasten the day.

See Page 4 ...

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - On January 30, a group of four people; Namgal Dolkar Lhagyari, Joe Hamilton from Germany and Tashi Namgyal and Ven Konchok Norbu from Ladakh have completed their one monk walk campaign from Bodhgaya, Bihar State to Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. With presenting Mr. Penpa Tsering, the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, the group held a press conference in Dharamshala on Monday.

Tibetan Political Leader Inaugurates New Hospital in Kollegal

China justifies ‘war’ in Tibet

Hao Peng, deputy secretary of the Communist Party in Tibet and vice-chairman of the regional government

By The Tibetpost International

See Page 5 ...

Belgian PM Urged To China

DHARAMSHALA, February 11: Amidst crackdown and opening firings following the wave of self-immolations in Tibet, China is See Page 3 ...

Solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet

Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Tripa ( Political leader ) of the Central Tibetan Administration. Photo: TPI

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Elio_Di_Rupo

By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

Brussels, Belguim: - On the 2nd February 2012, the new Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo held a press conference at the end of the diplomatic See Page 6 ...

Dharamshala, India: - Kalon Tripa (the elected political leader of Tibet), Dr Lobsang Sangay Sunday, January 29, inaugurated a new hospital in Dhondenling Tibetan settlement in Kollegal in southern India, calling on the Tibetans to raise their awareness on health and precautionary measures. His Eminence Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche consecrated the hospital.

Kunkyab Dophenling Hospital was built with the generous financial support and coordination of a Jewish family based in Luxembourg and Vimala Association in Switzerland respectively.

In his address, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said the new hospital would be very helpful in

providing essential healthcare services not only Tibetans, but also to the local Indian community as well.

Kalon Tripa emphasised the paramount importance of taking and keeping oneself abreast of precautionary measures before one gets ill, adding that landing in hospital would be last resort.

Directing the health department to organise programmes to raise people's awareness on the health issues, Dr Sangay called on the Tibetans to take part in these activities.

Kalon Tripa expressed his deep appreciation for the valuable support rendered by the Jewish See Page 5 ...

By The Tibetpost International

Oakland - Along with Chinese and Vietnamese Rights groups, worldwide campaign joined and organized by United Nations For a Free Tibet will be held in Argentina, Cost Rica, Emirates, India, Germany, Romania and many other countries on February 8th, to show our solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet.

Kalon Tripa calls for worldwide vigil and said entire Tibet under martial law. In his first official statement See Page 2 ...

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15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

TPI VIEWS & ANALYSIS

A Few Thoughts on Solidarity And Tibetan New Year Celebration

By Denzi Yeshey, The Tibet Post

An image sent to TPI says No Losar. Photo: TPI Wyoming, US: - Prior to the Kalon Tripa's January 26, 2012 statement requesting Tibetans not to celebrate Losar (Tibetan New Year) which falls on February 22 this year, there were some debates on how, what, and why of Losar celebration. The request to not celebrate Losar first came from the Tibetan Youth Congress, Dharamsala, India on November 14, 2011.

Following Kalon Tripa's above statement, Speaker Penpa Tsering la supported the official position of Kashag (Tibetan cabinet) by convening a press conference on Jan 29, 2012 to announce fasting on the first day of Losar by members of the Tibetan parliament in exile. Though Kalon Tripa urged to observe basic customary rituals on Losar, it now seems the 2012 Losar celebration is officially discouraged.

The decision to not celebrate Losar by the Tibetan government and nongovernment organization was primarily to show solidarity towards the sufferings endured by Tibetans in Tibet. The idea of solidarity is nothing new for Tibetans. It is an ageold practice where every Tibetan family mourns the loss of its member (or high lamas) in solidarity of the deceased for at least seven weeks.

During these seven weeks, these family members shun any form of overt celebration such as singing, rhyming, dancing, wearing new clothes and jewelries, and refraining from other celebrations such as Losar, friend's wedding, community gatherings, etc. This solidarity can be seen not merely as a practice but also in spirit. As time changes, the very heart and spirit of solidarity seems changing too.

Before discussing the changing heart and spirit of Tibetan solidarity, lets take a quick look at how the word "solidarity" is defined in the present globalized world. According to the Dictionary.com, it is defined as a unity of interests, sympathies, etc., as among members of the same class.

However, according to Collins Dictionary of Sociology, it seems the basis of solidarity varies between societies.

In simple societies, it may be mainly based around kinship and shared values. In more complex societies, there are various theories as to what

contributes to a sense of social solidarity. The later definition makes you wonder whether the Tibetan definition of solidarity is changing or changed with a gradual shift in the Tibetan society from simple to complex?

The answer to the above question may be "Yes" as well as "No". It is indeed true that Tibetans now do not live in a small neighborhood or town as they did few decades ago.

Tibetans, especially in diaspora, are now frequently migrating to mega cities where the life and work is more complex. For instance, the thought of even attending a Tibetan social gathering may have to align with job, family, and school schedules.

Many Tibetans now live in a globalized complex society. In this scenario, the Tibetan solidarity may have changed with the changing complexity of its society. However, it may not be as simple and conclusive as it seems to be. Lets take a look from an opposite angle at this new and complex Tibetan society by taking Tibetan immigrant in the US as a case in point.

With the official statement of Kalon Tripa, there seems to be unanimous consent among the general Tibetans to not celebrate upcoming Losar and to show solidarity towards the sufferings of Tibetans in Tibet.

However, the solidarity in this case is defined in a narrow and limited sense. To make it clear, the solidarity is confined only to Losar celebration.

It is deemed okay to celebrate X-mas, New Year, and other social gatherings including dance parties and concerts.

In the coming few weeks, there will be more such celebrations across Tibetan immigrant communities in the United States. However, there will be nothing as such during Losar. How in the world is this solidarity in unison? What really is solidarity for Tibetans? Is solidarity in Tibetan definition only confined to Losar?

Where are Tibetans shared values and interests? Or are Tibetans truly more of a globalized citizen and less of a Tibetan now?

At the end, it may not be wrong to conclude, "Tibetan solidarity is very much alive in practice but lost in spirit".

The Tibet Post

Your Pain is My Pain and Your Freedom is My Freedom

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Washington: - A speech made by Dr Yang Jianli, President, Initiatives for China, at the Tibetan Rally in front of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, 8 February 2012.

Last Friday, three Tibetans set themselves ablaze within a single day in eastern Tibet. This comes shortly after four Tibetans immolated themselves and others were killed in peaceful demonstrations in Tibet during the month of January. In less than 3 years, more than 20 Tibetans have selfimmolated in protest against Chinese rule. This rule has led to the killing of a million Tibetans, the toppling of thousands of temples, and the more than five-decade-long exile of the Dalai Lama. Each time tensions escalate, instead of showing concern and trying to address root causes, Chinese authorities respond with increasing force and oppression.

I have fallen into deep pain and sorrow.

This is more than any heart can and should take. The sufferings of the Tibetans at the hands of the Chinese regime are unparalleled in the history of mankind, but so is their brave and peaceful resistance. The question of Tibet is not only a political issue but also a moral one. All of humanity is challenged. Every world leader must take this moral test, and just like any other test, one either passes or fails. To our great dismay, many world leaders have so far either refused to take the test or have failed it. Too many of them looked the other way while our dear Tibetan brothers and sisters were crying in flames. Today, we are standing here carrying this burning message from Tibet: give me liberty or give me death, we want freedom and we want our spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return home.

Mr. President Obama, next week, you

Dr Yang Jianli, President, Initiatives for China attending a special event in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

will meet China's vice president Xi Jinping who, since last July, has been fully in charge of Tibetan affairs and who should therefore be held responsible for the recent crackdowns.

Please summon the moral courage needed to confront him in your upcoming meeting in the White House with this simple and specific question: Why have so many Tibetans set themselves ablaze? Please press China, using every power in your capacity as the president of this greatest and most powerful democracy, to allow an independent international investigation on the self-immolation cases. This is the very least you should do in order to pass the moral test which I think you must take and cannot afford to fail.

Dear friends, we should work together to urge the United Nations state members to remove China, the world's leading human rights violator, from special positions of power in the United Nations human rights system. China's membership in the UN Human Rights Council will expire at the end of this year and it should not be re-elected.

I often find that we live in a land of shadows. Stark shadows cast by what is worst in us on what is best. With burning flames from Tibet, we should see the shadows for what they are and say that it is time to begin living in the light.

As a Chinese, I am proud that I have fought side by side with Tibetans for more two decades, yet this still cannot wash away all my shame. I am ashamed of what the Chinese regime, Chinese officials, and Chinese soldiers have done to my dear Tibetan brothers and sisters.

Dear brothers and sisters, your pain is my pain and your freedom is my freedom. We, your Chinese brothers and sisters, will continue to join hands with you in your cause of freedom; our numbers in China are growing. As believers in the true principles of human rights, we will resolve to respect you as a people with every right to determine its own future. As believers in the principles brotherhood, we will resolve to continue to struggle side by side with you for your freedom and ours.

Tibetan Culture Day on Sunday 4th March in Brussels

By Dennis Barbion,The Tibet Post

Dharamsala: The "Tibetan Cultural Center Belgium" is organising a "Tibetan Culture Day" on Sunday 4th March 2012 from 12.00-17.00 o'clock in Brussels ("Le Cercle", Rue Doyen

Boone nr. 6 in 1040 Brussels; metro Merode).

On the programme: - from 12.00 o'clock: welcome, a tribute to H.H. the Dalai Lama, speech by the

representative of the Office of Tibet, religious chants by Tibetan monks, songs by the students of the Tibetan schools in Belgium (organised by the Tibetan Cultural Center) - 13.00 o'clock: Tibetan-Indian buffet - 14.00 uur: tradititonal Tibetan singing and dancing from the three provinces U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo, workshops how to make tsampa and Tibetan tea, a demonstration philosophical debates

by Tibetan monks - 15.00 o'clock: tea and bingo game (a way to get to know the numbers in Tibetan) - 16.00 o'clock: short film about Tibet (about the life of a Tibetan nomad couple in Tibet) - 16.30 o'cock: election of the person with the most beautiful chupa (traditional Tibetan dress) - 17.00 o'clock: final speech and thanks.

Througout the day there will also be craft stalls and an exhibition of paintings. You can have your name written in Tibetan and there is a workshop for children, how to make Tibetan prayer flags.

The website of the Tibetan Cultural Center is http://www.tibetcultur.be/.

The entrance fee is 15 euro all inclusive, also the buffet, and free below 18 years.

With kind regards, Dennis Barbion.

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Teenage Nun Latest To SelfImmolate In Protest Against China's Rule

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - In the latest attempt to protest against the Chinese rule in Tibet, an 18-year-old nun from Ngaba in Eastern Tibet self-immolated on the evening of February 11.

Tenzin Choedon, the 22nd Tibetan to self-immolate in protest of the Chinese repressive policies was a practising nun at the Mamae nunnery in the Ngaba County.

Eyewitness accounts state that she shouted slogans of protest against the repressive rule and called for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet she set herself on fire at the junction close to the nunnery.

Sources revealed that she did not succumb to her injuries immediately and that the Chinese soldiers and police in the vicinity took her towards Barkham.

Her whereabouts from then on are unavailable.

Sources from inside Tibet stated that the soldiers have besieged the nunnery and that there is no information on the situation inside. They also stated that military presence has been intensified in the region.

Housing around 350 nuns, Deche Choekorling, locally known as the Mamae Nunnery is the largest nunnery in Ngaba and is located about three kilometres from the main town.

In October 2011, Tenzin Wangmo, a 20year-old nun from the same nunnery selfimmolated in protest of the Chinese rule of Tibet and succumbed to her injuries.

Mamae Nunnery has been a hot bed of activism and many a nun has been arrested, detained and imprisoned since 2008.

OVERVIEW The situation in eastern Tibet has consistently remained grim since March 2011 self-immolation by a Tibetan names Phuntsok.

20 more Tibetans have self-immolated in protest of the Chinese rule in Tibet since then.

Choedon is the 22nd Tibetan since 2009 and the sixth the past 8 days to selfimmolate.

As many as 18 monks, nuns and ordinary Tibetans have set themselves on fire over the past year.

By Stan Grant, CNN, January 31

Sichuan: It's after 10 p.m. when we see a light in the distance. We've traveled for more than three hours up a windy, icy road in western China.

Our hope is to get to the Tibetan autonomous zone, in the mountainous region of Sichuan province, an area reportedly locked in an ever-growing spiral of violence. (Watch video) We're so close, only an hour or so away.

And then the light.

Within minutes, we grind to a halt. A policeman is flashing a flashlight in my face. Our Chinese driver is already outside the car. We won't be going any farther tonight.

Roadblocks like this are strewn across the back roads of this province. For weeks, ethnic Tibetans and Chinese security forces have been locked in conflict.

Buddhist nuns and monks have been carrying out ritual self-immolation. It is a gruesome protest against what they claim is the ongoing oppression by Chinese authorities.

As our car turns back, our driver calls a Tibetan contact. Something serious is going down. The Tibetan says his village is crawling with police and the military.

Later, local news reports tell of two Tibetans killed in protests.

But many of the villages that straddle the mountains are inhabited by Han Chinese, the dominant ethnic group in China. Inside the houses, lights are on, as people eat, watch TV and talk. We ask what they're hearing. They tell us they have little time for the Tibetans. They call them lazy and accuse them of living off government handouts.

One woman claims the Han Chinese are being targeted by violent Tibetan gangs.

Local media reports say more than a dozen people have already been killed.

There is hysteria, bigotry and fear here.

called Tapey in February 2009.

11 out of 21 self-immolators were either monks or former monks belonging to Kirti monastery.

Many parts of Tibet remain cut off from outside world with a prevailing situation of undeclared martial law making exchange of information close to impossible and highly risky.

Dharamshala, India: Even as supporters across the globe held vigils on February 8 following the call for the same by Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of the Tibetan administration based in India to protest the crackdown inside Tibet, another Tibetan self-immolated as a mark of protest.

Ringzin Dorjee a 19-year-old former monk of Kirti Monastery, eastern Tibet shouted slogans in protest of the Chinese rule as he set fire onto himself at No. 2 primary school at Ngaba County in eastern Tibet.

The youngest of 6 siblings, he was a monk at Kirti Monastery till 2010.

Witness accounts state that his body was taken by the Chinese soldiers and police stationed there to the county hospital and then to Barkham (Capital of Ngaba Prefecture).

Sources also state that he was grievously injured and was on the verge of death on the night of February 8, but no further information about his condition has been made available yet.

Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County, Tibet has been politically charged ever since the self-immolation of a resident monk

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CNN Crew Detained Amid Chinese Tibet Crackdown

Tibet Self-Immolation Toll Rises To 21 on Worldwide Vigil Day

By Rajeshwari Krishnamurthy, The Tibet Post

15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

OVERVIEW 21 Tibetans self-immolated since 2011 and 8 of them in 2012 alone.

13 out of 21 have succumbed to their injuries and the statuses of the other 8 are unknown.

Two Tibetans in exile have attempted self-immolation in India and Nepal.

Most of the incidents have taken place in eastern Tibet but these incidents are now spreading to other areas as well.

Reports suggest that this crackdown has intensified after leaflets calling for Tibetans to skip New Year celebrations this year to pay homage to the martyrs were circulated in Drango.

The declaration of the unnamed author of the leaflets of his intentions to selfimmolate on Losar (Tibetan New Year) has created a lot of stir in the region.

Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay called for a worldwide vigil to protest against the Chinese crackdown in Tibet.

CNN logo. Photo: File

It is fueled by government secrecy and a constant stream of military and police vehicles. Much of the province is in lockdown.

In the capital city of Chengdu, police vehicles are seen moving into position at dawn. Soon, they are on every corner, armed police patrolling the streets. They are tightening their grip on this heavily Tibetan populated neighborhood.

It's hard to get people to talk here. We see a group of young monks on a corner and wave them over. They agree to take us to their living quarters. Here in a tiny one bedroom apartment, four beds crammed against the walls and their food tied in sacks, the monks tell us they are verbally abused and harassed by police, pushed to breaking point.

"I cannot bear it any longer - any more," says one.

They are far from their home in the mountains; cut off they say, they cannot even make contact by phone.

"We want to go but we cannot, you can see all the security out there. Wherever you go, they see you. We cannot go anywhere," he says.

We ask if he's afraid, but he just looks at a picture of the Buddha, a smile on his face.

"I can't explain," he says, "but I'm not afraid."

In their pouch, the monks hold a keepsake of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, too sacred to even show us. This pouch, they say, carries a dream.

"We wish what all Tibetans wish for the

most: for the Dalai Lama to return to the palace in Tibet."

They know about the self-immolation of other Buddhists; they say they support them and vow it will continue until China leaves Tibet.

For the Chinese government, though, these are dangerous men - part of what they call a "splittist" element, determined to tear Tibet from China.

Throughout our interview, we have been watched. Later, our vehicle is followed.

Our driver says his family has received threatening phone calls.

On our way to the airport, a car, rather suspiciously, rams into the back of our taxi.

As we make our way to the service counters, we are followed by plainclothes security talking constantly on mobile phones. Eventually trying to clear airport security, we're grabbed by police. We are marched to an airport police station and detained and questioned for five hours. Police keep some of our video.

They want to know who we spoke to, what we are doing here, where we've been and why we want to cover this story. We have our own questions questions authorities are answering only with roadblocks and police.

Later, Chinese authorities black out CNNI when our report airs about the situation in the ethnically Tibetan area.

There are claims and counter-claims in this dark conflict. All of it is being played out behind a veil of secrecy in the mountains of western China.

.... China justifies ‘war’ in Tibet .... Continues From Front Page justifying its ‘war' over the peaceful Tibetan demonstrators.

"War and force is must to keep the security in the Tibetan regions," said Hao Peng, the deputy party secretary and vice chairman of the so called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).

According to the Chinese run official news agency, Xinhua, TAR deputy secretary even ordered to tighten up the security in the Tibetan regions and strongly urged the security forces to be vigilant during the up coming Tibetan New Year which falls on February 22.

"Security officials should not take holiday during the upcoming the Tibetan New Year, and must be ready to shut down the Dalai Lama groups (peaceful protesters)," the deputy party secretary said, permitting the Chinese soldiers and police to use force over the unarmed Tibetan

demonstrators.

Sources also told Tibet Post that the Chinese security personnel in Tibet were relocating the places from one's local area to another place in order to be the Chinese security personnel to be more brutal and ruthlessness.

"Police officers in Chamdo were sending to Lhasa, and Lhasa security officials were sending to China to make them more brutal and ruthless and use force on the Tibetans whenever needed," the source said.

Till date, 27 Tibetans have set themselves on the fire in protest against the Chinese rule over Tibet including 7 within weeks just after the beginning of this year.

Tibetans in Tibet and outside Tibet have pledged to forego the upcoming Tibetan New Year in show of solidarity, unity and support to the plight of people in Tibet.

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15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

TPI INTERNATIONAL

Canada, US, South America Join Worldwide Solidarity Vigil For Tibet

Solidarity vigil in Toronto, Canada, on 8 February 2012. Photo: Tibet Net

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

New York: - Despite a cold wave that swept through many part of the north America this week, Tibetans and Tibet supporters came out in big numbers in many cities in Canada and the United States to take part in Global Solidarity Vigil on February 8. Similarly, solidarity vigil and prayer service were also held in 16 cities in Latin American region.

Canada: In Victoria on the west coast, several dozens Tibetans and Tibet supporters, including a contingent of University of Victoria students, gathered in front of the British Columbia Legislative building and took part in a peaceful solidarity vigil, waving Tibetan flags and placards. Judy Tethong, a Victoria resident and president of the Canada-Tibet Committee, while speaking to Times Colonist said, "The world is not paying attention and Tibet is being brutalized...China's continued crackdown in Tibet has provoked an unprecedented wave of selfimmolations by Tibetan monks, nuns and laypeople."

In Calgary in Alberta, dozens of Tibetans braved the chill and took part in a daylong fasting at the Olympic Plaza, which later culminated with a candlelight prayer service. Similarly in Toronto on the east coast, hundreds of Tibetans and Tibet supporters gathered at the Nathan Phillips Square of downtown Toronto and staged a peaceful Vigil, expressing their grief over the loss of precious human lives in Tibet as a direct result of China's inhuman brutality and showing their solidarity to the Tibetans in Tibet, who have been faced with untold sufferings.

United States: In the national capital in Washington DC, a large number of Tibetans and Tibet supporters staged a peaceful vigil in front of the Chinese Embassy in the capital city. Speaking at the vigil, Chinese scholar and democracy activist, Dr. Yang Jianli, said: "The question of Tibet is not only a political issue but also a moral one. All of humanity is challenged. Every world leader must take this moral test, and just like any other test, one either passes or fails." He further said, "The sufferings of the Tibetans at the hands of the Chinese regime are unparalleled in the history of mankind, but so is their brave and peaceful resistance." (Read Dr Yang Jianli's full speech) Similarly in Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, hundreds of Tibetans and Tibet supporters staged a peaceful vigil outside the Chinese Consulate in the respective cities.

A peaceful candlelight vigil was also

held in other cities such as New York, Portland (Oregon), Salt Lake City, Boston, Minneapolis (Minnesota), Burlington (Vermon), and Philadelphia.

In New York City, hundreds of Tibetan gathered at the Central Square in midtown Manhattan to take part in candlelight vigil. While speaking at the vigil, a Chinese independent writer and democratic activist, Chen Pokong, said, "It is a shame on the part of Chinese regime that they resorts to racial discrimination while dealing with Tibetan protesters in Tibet". "If a protest takes place in China, the authorities detain the key leaders and spare the protesters who took part in the protests, whereas in Tibet, the authorities do not spare the protesters and all are subjected to brutal crackdown," he said.

In other places such as Michigan, Ithaca, Indiana, Wisconsin (Madison, Santa Fe in New Mexico etc, the Tibetans and Tibet supporters took part in a prayer service.

Latin America: Pained with the level of suffering the Tibetan people have been going through in Tibet, Tibet supporters and sympathizers in 16 cities took part in Global Solidarity Vigil on February 8.

In Mexico, candlelight vigil and prayer services were held in Mexico City, Morelia, Queretaro, Monterrey, and Ciudad De Aguascalientes. During the vigil, the participants in respective cities also pasted their individual message of solidarity on the wall arranged at the venue which turned out to be quite emotional. In Mexico City, participants also sang Tibetan national anthem led by a lone Tibetan doctor working at the Casa Tibet Mexico.

In Brazil, solidarity prayer services were held in Recif, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre, and Florianopolis. Several dozens Tibet supporters in each city took part in the event to show their solidarity for the Tibetan people inside Tibet.

A solidarity vigil was held in Montevideo in Uruguay, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Bogota in Colombia, San Jose in Costa Rica, and Cusco in Peru, where encouraging number of Tibet supporters took part in the event to show their solidarity for the Tibetan people.

At many of these vigils, poems on the current situation in Tibet written by Tibetans in Tibet were read to captivate the attention of the participants and onlookers alike and educate them on the situation inside Tibet. The poems

The Tibet Post

US To Raise Tibet's Grave Human Rights During China's VP Xi Visits

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - President Barack Obama's administration said Friday that it would raise the grave human rights situation in Tibet during Chinese Vice President visit to the country next week.

China's Vice President Xi Jinping's trip would be for him to understand issues that are important to America, including the situation in Tibet, and freedom of speech and religion, said White House senior director for Asian affairs, Daniel Russel.

"We don't sacrifice the important issues for the sake of having a comfortable visit," Russel told reporters.

"It is an area of grave concern for us to witness the increase of tensions in Tibet and Xinjiang. We are watching this, tracking very closely, with real concern," Mr Daniel Russel, Special Assistant to the US President, told reporters during a conference call.

"The US has spoken out about it, and we use every opportunity to urge the Chinese officials and leaders to exercise real restraint and to safeguard the human rights and the fundamental freedoms of all of Chinese citizens, including in Tibet," he said.

"Part of our goal with respect to this

US President Barack Obama with Chinese Vice President Xi Jingping. Photo: File

visit is for Vice President Xi to understand the issues that are important to us, and that includes issues like the situation in Tibet, like freedom of speech and freedom of religion and so on," he said in response to a question.

"This is an important part of our agenda and there's no reason that the conversations with Vice President Xi would depart from our longstanding practices," Mr Russel said.

"We routinely, regularly, invariably

raise our concerns about the human rights situation in China and about China's adherence to global human rights norms. This is a central part of our agenda," he said.

Also on the agenda: North Korea, Iran and Syria, following China's decision last week to join Russia in vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution pressuring Syrian President Bashar Assad's government over its violent crackdown on opponents.

After CNN, now BBC discloses its taste of Chinese Security

By The Tibet Post International

DHARAMSHALA, February 11-After weeks that the CNN crew shared its taste of real China, the BBC discloses the unveiled and undeclared martial law in Tibet, and it shares of its own testing time experience with the Chinese security officials.

In short video clip, the Beijing based BBC correspondent Damian Grammaticas tells the world how he and his team of journalists got detained and forced out of Tibet by the Chinese Security forces.

"There is a massive mobilisation of security forces in the Tibetan areas," Damian Grammaticas said, adding the Ngaba where he and his team tried to enter into was totally cordoned off.

"So the police held us there for 9 hours.

They try to force us to sign a document promising that we will not attempt to enter Tibet again. When we refused, they threatened us that within two days our visas could be cancelled, and we could be expelled from the country," Damian said.

"China says the self-immolations are terrorism, but it wants to keep its crackdown secret," the BBC correspondent said in the short video clip.

"Four policemen followed us all the way around this village and one of them has been into our taxi. Police warn Tibetans not to talk to us and watched include "Fear in Lhasa" written by Tibetan poet and blogger, Woeser, "To Amye Machen" by an anonymous Tibetan poet in Tibet pen-named "The Plateau is My Home", and ""Straying Far From Myself" by Dechen Hengme.

These and other poems were translated into Portuguese and Spanish.

us everywhere," Damian said "The police moved in and seized the Tibetan villager who just moved up to talk to us and hustled him away. As we left the police chased, detained us again trying to get us to handover what we had filmed."

In a similar manner, the CNN team last month also disclosed its real taste of China while trying to enter into the Tibetan regions from China.

"Our hope is to get to the Tibetan autonomous zone, in the mountainous region of Sichuan province," CNN crew Stan Grant reports, explaining that they were detained and kicked out by the Chinese security officials.

Both the pioneer News Channels said that the Tibetan regions were virtually locked down and no media person is allowed to enter in the Tibetan regions following the string of selfimmolations and Chinese open firings in Tibet.

Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala, northern India has urged the Beijing government to allow

the international fact finding delegation and independent media into the Tibetan regions.

However, the Beijing government has blamed the Tibetan spiritual leader and the Central Tibetan Administration for the wave of self-immolations in Tibet instead of the changing their policies for Tibetans in Tibet, and the peaceful protests are forcefully shutting down with guns and weapons.

While addressing thousands of Tibetans, Indians and foreign at a public felicitation yesterday here in the town, the South African Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu described his fellow Nobel Peace Prize Laureate as the holiest person that he has ever met, urging the Beijing government to resume the dialogue with the envoys of the Dalai Lama.

"His Holiness (the Dalai Lama) has no army, no soldiers and he doesn't command people with guns. His Holiness is not a separatist," the South African Nobel Peace Prize Laureate said.

TPI EXLIE

The Tibet Post

Kalon Dicki Choeyang Issues Statement Regarding Critical Situation in Tibet

Kalon Dicki Choeyang during the press conference at DIIR auditorium, Gangchen Kyishong. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: The Central Tibetan Administration is deeply concerned and alarmed over the recent news of three more self-immolations in Serthar (Sichuan) on Friday, February 3, 2012. Kalon Dicki Choeyang during the press conference at DIIR auditorium, Gangchen Kyishong.

Unconfirmed reports state that three Tibetans were involved, two of them aged in the 60s and 30s respectively. All three have sustained injuries, but their exact condition and whereabouts remain unknown.

We also hear reports of build-up of security forces and police in and around the city of Lhasa, and its key monasteries, Ganden, Sera, and Drepung. Furthermore, draconian measures to restrict movement of Tibetans in the capital could further aggravate the tense situation in Tibet. With Tibetan New

Year on February 22nd and the March 10th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising coming up, we fear there will be further bloodshed and loss of lives. The Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan community's democratically-elected representative, urges the international community to directly and immediately engage the Central Chinese leadership to assert its control over local authorities and forbid police violence and shooting of unarmed citizens.

Drastic actions, such as the selfimmolations, indicate to us that the Chinese policies in Tibet have reached new levels of repression. Not mere acts of protest, these actions convey a message which cannot be ignored. They represent an emphatic rejection of the continued occupation of Tibet and repressive policies

of the Chinese government. They stand firm for the freedom of the Tibetan people.

Over fifty years ago, thousands of Tibetans were forced to flee into exile due to the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Since then, a broad global network of friends of Tibet has been built. Today, at this critical time, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those individuals, non governmental organizations, Tibet support groups, and the various foreign governments who have recently publicly expressed their concern for the present situation in Tibet. Your unwavering support for truth and justice has made it possible for the Tibetan issue to still be alive.

We call on the Chinese government to address the underlying grievances of the Tibetan people. Only then, will there be a lasting solution to the escalating tensions in the region and the longstanding dispute between Tibetans and the Chinese government. As witnessed recently, Tibetan areas have been closed off and members of the press have been denied access. The international community must let leaders in Beijing know unequivocally that the world is concerned and closely watching events inside Tibet.

To show solidarity and to raise its voice in support of the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people at this critical time, we invite the international community to participate in a worldwide vigil for Tibet on February 8, 2012. We request everyone to conduct these vigils peacefully, in accordance with the laws of your country, and with dignity. In Dharamsala, the Central Tibetan Administration will hold a prayer service at 3 PM at the Tsuglakhang-Main Temple.

15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

5

Candlelight Vigil Protesting Chinese Crackdown Held in Delhi

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

New Delhi, India: Nearly hundred students from all over India came together on January 28 by holding a candle light vigil in honour of the Tibetans who gave up their lives in protest of Chinese repressive policies.

This solidarity vigil, organized by Students for a Free Tibet (New Delhi) was held at Delhi University and was to pay homage to the martyrs of the Tibetan independence struggle and to protest the continued violation of basic human rights by the PRC. The numbers of incidents of protests, self-immolations and other forms of confrontation between the Tibetans and the Chinese have risen in the past one year.

Between March 2011 and February 2012 alone, 17 Tibetans have self-immolated in protest of the Chinese repressive policies and two others were shot dead by the Chinese police inside Tibet.

Provinces of Kham and Amdo are going through most unrest and it has been so since the March 2008 Uprising.

"The Chinese police in Tibet celebrated the Chinese new year by opening fire on Tibetans who were protesting peacefully against religious repression," stated Rinzin Choedon, Programme Coordinator of Students for a Free Tibet, New Delhi.

"The Chinese will never let anything cloud their agenda of suppression and elimination of the Tibetan people, religion, culture and language," she added.

"I am an Indian and I still support the Tibetan cause and their solidarity because I value human rights, I value Justice and whatever the Chinese government is doing in Tibet is complete inhuman. That's why I am here, to stand in solidarity and support for Tibet," stated an Indian member of SFT who participated in this vigil.

As a part of this action plan, they aim to visit various universities, bureaucrats and other influential people to support the Tibetan cause thereby urging the Chinese government to stop the crackdown in Tibet.

... A Walk Campaign for World Peace and Freedom In Tibet .... Continues From Front Page "It has been more than half a century since the Chinese invaded and occupied the homeland of our mothers and fathers, Tibet. I, Namgal Dolkar Lhagyari, being a third generation Tibetan in Exile, have the responsibility of abiding to the aims and duties of our nation," said Namgayl in a statement on behalf of the group. "We have been fortunate to find refuge in India and receive education under the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and we have the responsibility to fulfill His Dreams and live up to the expectations of our forefathers. To fight for our rights prudently, to have vision for the restoration of our independence, and to practice freedom of expression, are the basic principles of our people in this 21st century."

"Since the brutal incursion in 1950,the

Red Chinese have killed more than 1.2 million Tibetans and destroyed around 6000 holy monasteries which were established for more than a thousand years. Massive immigration of mollies of Han Chinese in Tibet has resulted in the fading away of Tibetan identity and unique culture. The nationwide uprisings in 1959,1989 and in 2008all followed by brutal crackdowns, show both the pressure under which Tibetans are forced to live but also their determination to end the occupation of their sacred homeland.

The guidance from the accomplishment of the Great Dharma kings of Tibet, and the sacrifices of the countless Martyrs of our nation have constantly been a source of inspiration to all of us and this is evident from the recent self immolations by Tibetans in Tibet which

have added the urgency to all of our actions and we know that it is simply now or never.

Recently I was able to visit Europe at the invitation of Joe Hamilton and his family. My first stop on the trip was in Dachau, a small city near Munich in Southern Germany. This is the site of the fist concentration camp that was built by Hitler and the Nazis in 1933; this was the closest I had been to relate to the pain of the political prisoners in Tibet and an opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of how history is sadly repeating itself at the cost of Tibet and its people. So many things I saw there reminded me of details my father had disclosed to me about his more than twenty years of imprisonment; the torture, pain, fear ,hunger and cold. I remember seeing and

....Tutu visits His Holiness in McLeod Ganj .... Continues From Front Page Presenting Tutu with a Namgyal stupa for good luck, His Holiness, who addressed the crowds in Tibetan and English, commented on their advancing years, adding: ‘Maybe for one or two more decades I will remain, but your spirit will remain at least throughout the 21st century. Of that I'm quite sure.

‘Governments cannot always do much to address negative feelings. Only spiritual leaders can do that.'

Bishop for the Diocese of Amritsar, the

Right Rev. P.K. Samanta Roy, representing the church of north India, described Tutu as the Mahatma Gandhi of South Africa, stating: ‘He has been an inspiration to millions and he has been my role model since I was a child.'

Expressing the church's solidarity with the Tibetan people, he said: ‘We believe that this world cannot go on with violence. Archbishop Tutu has shown us the way. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has shown us his way, and we need to

follow these leaders who show the solidarity between all faiths.

His Holiness's guest of honour was treated to three cultural performances by artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, and dancers from Thangtong Lhugar and Dharamsala's local Indian Gaddi community.

Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his role as a ‘unifying leader figure in the campaign to resolve the problem of apartheid in South Africa.'

touching the deep scars on his wrists and ankles because of the simple fact of being confined to a small place and chained 24hours a day in his hands and feet.

For all of these reasons I have decided to use my freedom of movement and initiate this Walk of faith for peace and freedom in Tibet. Very recently, I attained Indian citizenship which has given me even more opportunities to serve my people. Being an Indian citizen could never erase the Tibetan within me or my duty toward Tibet and my ancestors.

Therefore, this Walk if faith is a walk to compete the prayers of His Holiness, a Walk to follow the footsteps of my father a Walk to explain the trauma of Tibet, a Walk of justice, a Walk to honor the dedication if the Tibetan martyrs and a walk to reunite the Tibetan people.

The Walk vegan on the 9th Jan from Bosh-Gaya during the Kalachakra after

a special audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama who gave us blessing in the form of His presence and His encouraging words. We have completed the walk which started from Bodh-Gaya to other holy sites of Buddhist across India and Nepal namely; Sarnath, Kushinagar and Lumbini. While we proceed with our Walk, the main activities we have done were arranging a series of Buddhist virtuous actions such as offerings ,prayers, purification, giving alms in charity, releasing lives and so on.

Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the head ornament of the samsara and may his prayers and wishes for all of us come true and may the sincerity and fortitude of Tibet and its martyrs forever flourish."

You can reach Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari at (+91) 812.2876 and Joe Hamilton (+91) 812.2638

... Inaugurates A New Hospital in Kollegal family and Vimala Association in building the hospital.

Health Secretary Mr Wangchuk Phasur as the special guest, and representatives from Vimala Association, including Ms Dedde Carrani, who coordinated the hospital project, attended the inauguration ceremony. Other dignitaries present include settlement officers from the neighbouring settlements and chairmen

of local assemblies.

The new hospital came up after repeated efforts to renovate the old hospital, first built in 1974, failed. The decision to build the new hospital was collectively taken by the hospital's executive secretary, secretary of health department and Vimala Association.

Later in the afternoon, Kalon Tripa interacted with the Tibetan settlers during his public talk.

6

15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

TPI WORLDWIDE VIGIL FOR TIBET

The Tibet Post

Tibetans and Supporters in Solidarity With And Prayers For Tibetan Brussels Join Worldwide Held in Russia and France Vigil for Tibet

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Tibetans and Supporters in Brussels, Belguim Join Worldwide Vigils for Martyrs of Tibet, 8th January 2012. Photo: TPI

By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

Brussels: - At request of Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetan Prime Minister in exile, there have been mass solidarity vigils for Tibet worldwide on 8th February 2012, to commemorate the victims who died in Tibet because of the harsh oppression by the Chinese government, and the Tibetans who selfimmolated.

Since March 2011, 21 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in East Tibet, 8 since 6th January 2012.

A new wave of protests broke out in Tibet last month, with demonstrators calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama. Chinese security forces have responded to these peaceful protests by opening fire on demonstrators, killing at least 5 Tibetans and seriously injuring many more.

These protests are a cry to the outside world for help. All those who have selfimmolated have called for freedom for Tibet and for the return of the Dalai Lama.

China's merciless and violent crackdown throughout Tibet is intensifying Tibetan grievances and exacerbating the resentment felt across Tibet.

On 8th February 2012, candle vigils were

organised all over the world: in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, Estonia, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, Korea, Dubai. Thousands of people stood up for Tibet and participated in this peaceful event, demanding that China acknowledge the growing crisis and immediately address Tibetan grievances before more lives are lost.fore more lives are lost.

The Tibetan community in Belgium and the International Campaign for Tibet have organised a candle vigil in Brussels, in the heart of the city of the European capital. Despite the fact that is was very cold and even freezing that evening, lots of Tibetans participated, lighting candles and praying continiously for two hours in temperatures of -4째 Celsius. Many Belgian Tibet supporters came to show their support and solidarity too, which was heartwarming for the Tibetan people. 150 people in total participated.

Dharamshala: - In support of and solidarity with Tibetan people suffering under the Chinese government's brutal and repressive policies on Tibet, the prayer service was held in several cities in Russian Federation on 8th February, a worldwide vigil and prayer day called by the Central Tibetan Administration-inexile.

The prayer was participated by friends and supporters of Tibet and Tibetans, and Buddhist fellows in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and in the capitals of three traditional Buddhist Republics: Buryatia, Kalmykia and Tuva.

In Moscow, Tibet Culture & Information Center, the official agency of Central Tibetan Administration-in-Exile, organized the prayer and Tsog offering at Open World Center and it was joined

by Russian Buddhists, traditional Buddhists from Tuva, Kalmykia and Buryatia currently residing in Moscow, and other friends and supporters of Tibet and Tibetans. Paying the homage to the twenty Tibetans who self-immolated in recent years for the just and noble cause of Tibet and Tibetan, Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama to Russia & CIS, Nawang Rabgyal, briefed the assembly on the deteriorating and urgent situation prevailing in Chinese-occupied Tibet.

In Elista, capital of Kalmyk Republic, the Friends of Tibet Society (FTS) organized the vigil at three schools and later conducted prayer service at Chenrizig and Telo Buddhist Centers. Chairwoman of FTS, Mrs. Antonina Kookueeva, briefed the gathering about Chinese government's repressive policies on Tibet, intensified crackdown and undeclared martial law in Tibetan areas.

The Friends of Tibet Society also sent memorandum addressed to Chinese Embassy in Moscow asking the Chinese government to change its repressive and harsh policies against the peaceful Tibetan people. A small group of Tibetan community organized prayer at their residential temple in Elista lighting thousands of candles dedicated for the

Solidarity vigil in Paris, France, on 8 February 2012/Photo by Laetita Scuiller.

Photo: Tibet Net

welfare of Tibetans in Tibet.

In Ulan Ude, capital of Buryat Republic in Siberia area, Tibetan Community organized prayer and Tsog offering at Kun-kyab Buddhist Center, which was joined by Buddhists and friends of Tibet.

Ven. Gedun, Head of Tibetan Community, briefed the gathering about the current prevailing situation in Tibet. The prayer service was also held in Kyizil, capital of Tuva Republic, border to Mongolia. In St. Petersburg, some members of Aryadeva Buddhist Center held prayer at Buddhist Temple called Kun-tsechoeling Datsang, which was built in 1915 by Avang Dorjiev (Tsen-shab Ngawang Doreje), Envoy of the great 13th Dalai Lama to Russian Tsar, also with financial contribution from the 13th Dalai Lama.

Solidarity Vigil in France Paris, 8 February 2012: Braving the freezing European cold-wave, hundreds of Tibetans and Tibet supporters today marched from French National Assembly to Avenue Alma Marceau, the location of Chinese Embassy in France, to join the global solidarity vigil here in Paris.

Around 300 Tibetans and Tibet supporters gathered in front of the National Assembly to show their solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet and to condemn the brutal repression by

Australia Joins Global Vigil for Worldwide Tibet Vigil Marked in UK with Prayers and Solidarity Tibetan Martyrs

Tibetans and Supporters in Australia gathering for Worldwide Vigils for Martyrs of Tibet, 8th February 2012. Photo: TPI

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Melbourne: Tibetans and their supporters in cities across Australia have joined in the world-wide vigil held on Wednesday night (Feb 8), to show solidarity with the now more than 20 Tibetan monks, nuns and lay persons who have self-immolated in the last 12 months in Tibet.

The vigil held in Australia's capital city, Canberra, hosted renowned Tibetan poet and activist Tenzin Tsundue who is currently touring the country promoting the Tibetan cause at various events.

Vigils were also held in Sydney's Martin Place, Federation Square in Melbourne, the China Town Mall in Adelaide, Perth's Chinese Consulate, as well as in Hobart, Brisbane and Port Macquarie.

"We try to stand on behalf of them (our brothers and sisters in Tibet) and raise the voice of their suffering" stated Nigan Gotsang, president of NSW Tibetan Community, also adding that it was an act aimed at sending a message to Julia Gillard (Australia's Prime Minister) and Kevin Rudd (the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is fluent in Mandarin).

The vigils took place after an appeal from Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangey to exile communities and support groups around the world, following the recent deadly crackdown on hundreds of Tibetan protesters in Drakgo County and the closing off of Tibet to foreign tourists and journalists.

At least 6 Tibetans have reportedly been shot dead by police and there are grave fears for scores of others detained by authorities.

Tibetans and Supporters in London, Uk gathering for Worldwide Vigils for Martyrs of Tibet, 8th February 2012. Photo: TPI

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London: Standing in solidarity with those in their homeland, Tibetans and supporters gathered outside the Chinese embassy in London on Wednesday February 8th, calling upon China to stop the killing of innocent Tibetans. As the day unfolded, reports emerged of the latest and the 21st Tibetan to selfimmolate, highlighting the urgency of the global need to address the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet.

At least 150 demonstrators braved the chilly streets of London to mark their

support, and a smaller demonstration was witnessed in Edinburgh. Black ribbons were worn over the mouths of many participants to highlight how Tibetans are being forcibly silenced in Tibet, a moving sight for passing Londoners during the cold February evening.

Tibetan monks led a series of prayers, highlighting the sense of mourning and loss among the community globally for those who had lost their lives, and the chorus of chanting brought home the issue and loss to all those who could hear them.

Thubten Samdup, Representative of the Dalai Lama in the UK and Northern Europe gave a heartfelt speech during the four hour vigil.

In an exclusive interview for the Tibet Post International, Thubten Samdup highlighted: "It is very moving to see that so many people have come here to show solidarity.

It is so sad to see so many lives have been lost and that the international community are looking the other way" He added:

the Chinese authorities in Tibet. Among the participants were also members of the Chinese dissidents and democracy movement as well as Vietnamese, apart from French supporters.

Highly charged protesters raised slogans to call on the international community and specifically the French government to intervene in addressing the underlying human rights problems faced by the Tibetan people under repressive Chinese rule.

A one minute silence was observed to pay tribute to those Tibetan men and women, who sacrificed their precious lives for the restoration of freedom and Tibet, and particularly in homage of those 21 Tibetans who have selfimmolated in the past years.

At Avenue Marceau, where the march culminated, statements from the Central Tibetan Administration were read out in both Tibetan and French languages.

A "hundred lamp offering" was also lighted to remember the sacrifices of Tibetan people before the close of the programme which began around 4 pm in the evening and lasted for more than 2 hours.

Reports of similar vigils have also been received from other French cities and towns such as, Bordeaux, Pau, Nimes, Clermont Ferrand and Metz.

"I think the time has come, for the international community to recognise that the Tibetan struggle has been a nonviolent one, that requires recognition, and also it deserves rewarding. We have gathered here today to send a message to the Chinese, but more importantly, we are here to send a message to Tibetans in Tibet that they are not alone".

Last week the Tibetan Prime Minister in exile, Lobsang Sangay, called for the world-wide vigils on February 8 to express solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet and to, "send a loud and clear message to the Chinese government that violence and killing of innocent Tibetans is unacceptable."

Dr Sangay said: "Stability cannot be restored in Tibet through violence and killings of Tibetans. The only way to resolve the issue and bring about lasting peace is by respecting the rights of the Tibetan people and through dialogue." He called on the international community to, "show solidarity and to raise your voices in support of the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people at this critical time. I request that the international community and the United Nations send a fact-finding delegation to Tibet and that the world media be given access to the region."

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Fotos falling from Tibet shows scenes of Chinese crackdown in Serta

By The Tibetpost International

DHARAMSHALA, February 4Amidst Chinese censorship and propaganda, a series of black mailed graphic images from the Tibetan region of Serta unveils the ongoing crackdown in the Tibetan region.

The Director of the Students for Free Tibet, India, Dorje Tseten told the media that the series of recent photos from Serta shows that China has not been telling the truth about the demonstrations in recent weeks.

"The Chinese government says like those protestors were shot on self defense but in the picture we can clearly see the protestors are like unarmed, they are protesting with non-violent protest and then police crackdown the protest very brutally and kill Tibetans," Dorje Tseten said, adding that the photos show Chinese

riot police brutally beating up the unarmed Tibetan demonstrators, and dragging down to the police station in the region.

While the Tibetan exile world is being disturbed with the growing number of deaths in protests against the Chinese rule over Tibet, the Beijing government has been fabricating the truth-blaming the Tibetan demonstrators and using the normal faulty forceful security measures in Tibet.

Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetan prime minister has also said ‘he is getting alarmed' by the growing number of Chinese military personnel moving into the Tibetan regions of Ngaba, Serta, Golok, and so called Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Following the Chinese open fire in

three incidents, Tibetans believe that at least a dozen got killed and dozens got wounded in recent weeks.

Tibet Expert at Columbia University, Robbie Barnett said that the recent protests in Tibet signal what it could be after the Dalai Lama era.

"If the Dalai Lama dies without any resolution, it will take a half century to build trust again," he explaining that the Dalai Lama's death in exile would be so significant to Tibetans it could ruin prospects for a reasonable Tibetan-Chinese relationship.

According to exile sources, 17 Tibetans in Tibet have burned themselves, calling for freedom in Tibet, and return of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama from exile.

The whole area of Tibet known as the roof of the world is being sealed off by the Chinese police road check points on the roads from China as well as from Nepal, and armed Chinese soldiers manning the day to day life of the Tibetans inside Tibet.

The Dharamshala based members of the Tibetan Parliament will sit on a day-long fast on coming Wednesday, and Tibetans through out the world have also vowed to do the same on the same day to show solidarity and support to the plight of people inside Tibet.

Declaring to forego the upcoming Tibetan New Year, Tibetans and Tibetan supporters in more than 100 cities across the world are going to fast on the first day of the Tibetan New Year which falls on February 22.

15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

7

Authorities Take Away Tibetans from Lhasa to Unknown Location

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala: Hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims who were earlier arrested by the Chinese police on their way to Tibet from Nepal have been forcibly taken away in train to a undisclosed location, reports coming from Tibet say.

The report says at around 10 am (Tibet time) 31 January Chinese security forces surrounded those Tibetans at the railway station in Tibet's capital Lhasa and then put them in a train bound for China.

Those Tibetan pilgrims had been recently arrested at numerous checkpoints en route to Tibet on their return journey from pilgrimage to Nepal and other places.

The report further says the arrested Tibetans would be interrogated whether they are planing any political activities after detaining them at an unknown location.

No further details are available about their current whereabouts and well being.

Dicki Chhoyang to inaugurate the Tibetan Global Vision Conference

Worldwide vigil in solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet .... Continues From Front Page on the recent killings of Tibetans in Tibet, Kalong Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay urged Tibetans and Tibet supporters all over the world to take part in a global vigil on Wednesday, February 8.

In two separate incidents, earlier this week, hundreds of Tibetans took out demonstrations calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and demanding freedom in Tibet. Protests in Drango county, flared up on Monday after local Chinese Public Security Bureau officials arbitrarily arrested Tibetans on suspicion of their involvement in the appearance of leaflets and posters around the town following the wave of self-immolations in the region. The posters had warned of more Tibetan self-immolations if the Chinese government did not listen to Tibetan concerns. Eyewitnesses in the region have confirmed the death of six Tibetans in police firings.

A day later, at least five Tibetans suffered fatal bullet injuries in police firings in Serthar, where over 600 Chinese security personnel brutally suppressed a peaceful demonstration by Tibetans calling for Tibet's independence.

Referring to the recent police firings, Dr Sangay noted that China's "gruesome acts" and "systematic repression of Tibetans" has led to the. growth of "resentment and anger" amongst Tibetans against the Chinese

government since the massive uprising of 2008." He said, "Basic human rights are being denied to Tibetans, the fragile environment is being destroyed, Tibetan language and culture is being assimilated, portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are banned, and Tibetans are being economically marginalised."

While addressing Tibetans in Tibet, Dr Sangay promised that their sacrifices will not go in vain. He said, "We hear your cries loud and clear. We urge you not to despair and refrain from extreme measures. We feel your pain and will not allow the sacrifices you have made go in vain. You all are in our heart and prayers each and every day."

At this "critical time," we call on the international community to show solidarity and raise our voices in support of the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people, and remind the Beijing government that violence will never address the genuine grievances of Tibetans and restore stability in Tibet.

The Chinese authorities should understand that "The only way to resolve the Tibet issue and bring about lasting peace is by respecting the rights of the Tibetan people and through dialogue," said by Dr Sangay.

Since March 2011, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China's continued

occupation of Tibet.

Thus, in light of the recent repression

by Chinese authorities in Tibet, we are here to urge the International Society to pressure the Chinese government to: 1. Allow Human Rights groups and International observers to monitor the situation in Tibet.

2. Resume talks with His Holiness Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration.

3. Allow His Holiness to return to Tibet and grant Tibet a Genuine autonomy within the framework of a Chinese constitution.

United Nations For a Free Tibet Federation For A Democratic China The Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Movement [End] *The United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) works to raise awareness of gross human rights violations committed against Tibetans in their homeland by the Communist Chinese Army which has occupied Tibet for more that 60 years.

Our mission is to educate the public and to advocate for an end to the oppression and atrocities brought by the brutal Communist Chinese occupation. With over 35,000 members spread across the globe, we are a strong ally of Tibet.

UNFFT is registered in the United States as a non-profit 501(c)3) tax exempt organization.

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

DHARAMSHALA, February 8- The Minister for Department of International Information and Relationship, Dicki Chhoyang will inaugurate the third Tibetan Global Vision Conference tomorrow.

The Tibetan Non Governmental Organization, Empowering the Vision is scheduled to held the third Global Vision Conference at Tibetan Vocational Training Center in Selakui, Dehradun in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

The Tibetan Minister will address the fiveday conference on the topic of "Youth as an Ambassador & Nation Builder" after the inauguration.

Former Tibetan Prime Minister, Prof.

Samdhong Rinpoche is also in schedule to speak on "How to lead a meaningful life" on the second day of the Tibetan Global Conference.

According to the official website of the NGO, the target of its global conference is the Tibetan students, and almost all the participants are Tibetan college students studying in and around the Indian cities in India.

The upcoming conference will also be an eye opener for the student-participants as the conference has invited a group of its perfessional networks to guide the students for a better and brighter career.

The first two conferences were held at Asia Plateau in Panchgani, Pune, and this is the first time the conference is being organized in Selakui, Dehradun. The past conferences have been very successful in outreaching to the youth and supporting their personality growth and evelopment, the organizers said.

Other Key Speakers for the upcoming conference include Mr. Arun Kapur, the Chair of the ENVISION Trust, and Founding Director of Vasant Valley School, Delhi, and Mr. Ashvin Subrahmanyam, Country Manager, Kraft Foods Taiwan Ltd. "I have attended second global conference and I found it was really inspiring and highly educating," Tenzin Palden said, adding that such conferences are must in Tibetan society to produce more and skilled perfessionals.

Pelma Dolker, a Tibetan college student in the Indian capital New Delhi also has much to appreciate the NGO and its routine conferences.

"I have attended the second global conference, and I am going to attend this time also. I feel the conference not only inspires us but helps us to build networks with our perfessionals who are working in different fields across the world," Pelma Dolker said.

8

15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

TPI EXLIE

Kalachakra Organising Committee Declares Account Statement

By The Tibetpost International

Dharamshala, India: - The organising committee of the 32nd Kalachakra Initiation released a statement of income and expenditure incurred during the 32nd Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya.

A total income of Rs 32,93,33,249.00 (Thirty two crores ninety three lakhs thirty three thousand two hundred and forty nine) was earned while expenses of Rs 25,78,33,249.00 (Twenty five crore seventy eight lakhs thirty three thousand two hundred and forty nine) was incurred for the Kalachakara

Initiations, the statement said.

The remaining 7 crores and 15 lakhs has been disbursed for charitable purposes through registered organisations, it noted.

One crore each has been allocated for the Central Tibetan Administration's Tibetan Children Educational Welfare Fund, Central Tibetan Relief Committee, the Department of Religion and Culture and the Tibetan Voluntary Health Association.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and the Library of Tibetan work and Archives

Exiled Tibetan Leader Calls for UN Intervention in Tibet

Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Tripa ( Political leader ) of the Central Tibetan Administration. Photo: TPI

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Dharamsala, India: Expressing his concern over the increasing Chinese military repression inside Tibet, Lobsang Sangay, Tibetan Prime Minister in Exile strongly urged the United Nations to intervene and save Tibetan lives.

"We are very disturbed by the growing number of Chinese military personnel and many more trucks and trucks load of paramilitary forces with automatic machine guns moving towards Tibet," he said.

"We are very disturbed and we condemn the killings of innocent Tibetans who are simply asserting their freedom of speech," stated Sangay and called on the United Nations to send fact-finding delegations to investigate China's

hardliner policies inside Tibet.

Condemning the Chinese military invasion into Tibetan areas and the recent incidents of public shootouts at protestors agitating against Chinese authoritarianism, he said, "The Chinese government should also do their own investigation, an objective, truthful investigation which will clearly reveal that their hardliner policies are not working."

"These policies are ought to be revised and more moderate policies towards the Tibetan people should be introduced," he concluded.

OVERVIEW An estimated 80,000 Tibetans, along with their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, had arrived in India in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against Chinese rule.

China has ruled Tibet since Communist troops marched in 1950 Since February 2009, a total of seventeen Tibetans inside Tibet have

had also been allocated one crore rupees each.

The remaining one crore fifteen lakhs had been donated to the Bihar Chief Minister's Emergency Relief Fund in support of the annual eye camps conducted for local residents, educational resources for Indian children living in the vicinity of Bodhgaya, for the renovation work in progress at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, encourage and protection of natural environment in Bodhgaya.

The donations have been made with a view to support higher education and to provide better health care in the Tibetan community as well as for the welfare of Tibetan refugees particularly the newly arrived monks and nuns, officials said.

We would make the accounts available for public scrutiny for a period of one year until 10th January 2012, they added.

The 32nd Kalachakra Initiation concluded successfully on 10th January 2012.

A total of 2,00,000 (two lakh ) people attended the Kalachakra, of whom more than 35,000 were from the monastic community, 9000 came from Tibet, 74,000 were from the Tibetan diaspora, 65,000 were from the Himalayan regions and 10,000 were foreigners from 66 different countries.

self-immolated in protest of the Chinese repressive policies and demanding for the return of the Dalai Lama.

Twelve out of the Seventeen succumbed to their injuries and the rest are either in a poor shape or are battling for life.

Sources have revealed that three Tibetans were killed and several others injured when the Chinese police opened fire on the Tibetans who had gathered to protest in Drango region of the Kham province on the day of the Chinese New Year.

Reports suggest that this crackdown has intensified after leaflets calling for Tibetans to skip New Year celebrations this year to pay homage to the martyrs were circulated in Drango.

The declaration of the unnamed author of the leaflets of his intentions to self-immolate on Losar (Tibetan New Year) has created a lot of stir in the region.

The Tibet Post

Water-filter Project In Tibetan Settlements MainpatSummer 2012

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Brussels: - In 2009, Dennis Barbion and his wife Marijke Reynaert from Belgium started a shoe project for the Tibetan refugees in Dharamshala on their own initiative. That year they gave a new pair of shoes to 80 Tibetans. In 2010, this project was continued as an independent venture of the Belgian NGO "Tibetaanse-Vlaamse Vriendenkring" (Tibetan Flemish Circle of Friends). With the fundraising, the Belgian couple was able to give a new pair of good quality shoes to 426 Tibetan refugees!

During their stay in Dharamshala in April 2011, Dennis and Marijke got many ideas and suggestions for new projects for the Tibetans at other places in India, in the Tibetan settlements. After their trip to India in Spring 2011, they set up a fundraiser for the construction of a mortuary for the Dhonden Old People's Home (OPH) in Chauntra, a Tibetan Elder's Home near Bir, and a waterfilter project for the Tibetan settlement in Mainpat.

DONDEN MORTUARY When a new pair of shoes was donated to all the elderly people at the Dhonden OPH in April 2011, the director and staff of the home and the responsible of the Tibetan settlement office there, told that they wanted to build a small mortuary, a separate building where a dead body can be kept for some time after someone passed away. Until then there was no separate place to keep the body so it was kept in the room for minimum three days, depending on the procedure and the availability of wood for the cremation. As the Elder's Home nor the Tibetan settlement in Chauntra had

Three Tibetans Self-immolate in Eastern Tibet, One Reportedly Dead .... Continues From Front Page to an information received by The Tibet Post International. Total twenty selfimmolations in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet since Feb 2009.

Two other seriously injured in accident, identified as Tsering, around 60 from Tsaptse village and Kyari, around 30 from Bumshul village, they are in critical condition. The current situation still remains tense in Serta county, eastern Tibet as China's hard-line policies in Tibet are creating great tension, said sources from inside Tibet.

"As witnessed recently, Tibetan areas have been closed off and members of the press have been denied access. The international community must let

leaders in Beijing know unequivocally that the world is concerned and closely watching events inside Tibet," Ms. Dicki Chhoyang, the Tibetan information minister told reporters on Monday.

More Chinese security forces were deployed in the area making an already tense situation more volatile after the self-immolation of the three Tibetans last Friday. Serta and neighboring areas have been under lockdown with heavy military presence since protests broke out in January 2012.

Sources from inside Tibet to TPI have also stated that communication has been completely cut off in Serta and neighboring areas after a string of

finances for the construction of this mortuary (including excavation, structure, slab work, roofing and electricity), Dennis and Marijke decided to help and to start fundraising.

At the end of December 2011 the fundraising for this mortuary project was finished and the money was sent to the Dhonden OPH. The works have already started and the first pictures on our online photoalbum on Picasa: https://picasaweb.google.com/ dbtibetprojects.

WATERFILTER PROJECT IN MAINPAT: There are quite a lot of Tibetan settlements across India. The living conditions there are very difficult and there's poverty as well, without much relief. Some villages are better than others but life is hard in all the settlements, with lots of needs unmet.

Mainpat is in Central India and it's one the poorest Tibetan villages in whole of India. Mainpat was the first Tibetan settlement that was established by the government of India in 1962 to rehabilitate 1,400 Tibetan refugees who came to India in the aftermath of the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959.

Mainpat is very remote, the nearest town is Ambikapur and is situated at 50 km from Mainpat. The condition of the road is very bad; it takes about one hour and a half or two hours by car.

Mainpat consists of seven camps and the settlement faces numerous problems from the annual heavy rainfall.

Monsoon remains for almost four to five months. Mainpat suffers from inescapable rain water problems, and above all the rain water they use is not pure. Therefore we set up this waterfilter project. The fundraising is for the purchase of a waterfilter for each family in Mainpat that doesn't have a waterfilter yet and for the local Old People's Home, to overcome diseases like malaria and other illnesses that people suffer from because of the dirty rain water.

The water storage of one waterfilter is 15 litres. The price of one waterfilter is 50 euro (70 US Dollars), but all donations are welcome. All the waterfilters will be bought and installed on the spot in the Summer of 2012.

protests against the Chinese repressive policies kept taking place. No means of communication involving telephone, fax and internet have been able to be established.

TPI INTERNATIONAL

The Tibet Post

Tibetans and Supporters To Join Worldwide Vigils for Martyrs of Tibet

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Tibet, addressing during a special function in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/file

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - The political leader of Tibet, Dr. Lobsang Sangay's administration has called for worldwide vigils on 8 February in view of the critical situation inside Tibet following a series of self-immolations and the recent killing of peaceful Tibetan protesters by the Chinese security forces.

"As Chinese everywhere were celebrating the first couple of days of the Year of Dragon on January 23rd and 24th, 2012, Chinese police fired indiscriminately on hundreds of Tibetans who had gathered peacefully to claim their basic rights in Drakgo,

Serta, Ngaba, Gyarong, and other neighboring Tibetan areas. Six Tibetans were reportedly killed and around sixty injured, some critically," the Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration said in a statement Thursday.

To express our deep sadness and solidarity with the Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet's cause, Tibetans and supporters around the world would take part in worldwide vigils and prayer services on Wednesday, 8 February, the statement said.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay's cabinet called on

DHARAMSHALA: Expressing its deep concern over the reports of killing of Tibetans by the Chinese security forces in northeastern Tibet and the lockdown of Tibet, the International Parliamentarians has called for a UNled fact-finding mission to observe the situation in Tibet.

In a statement on 31 January, International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT) said it is extremely concerned for the news that several Tibetans in Draggo, Kardze and in Dzamthang, Ngaba have been shot dead by Chinese security forces last week.

"INPaT considers the use of force not an acceptable response on the part of the Chinese authorities toward peaceful protests carried out by Tibetans to excercise right to freedom

of expression and assembly," the statement said.

"INPaT remains deeply concerned that these cases of extrajudicial killings of Tibetans has happened in the background of self-immolation protests by 17 Tibetans since 2009 with 12 of them having succumbed to their injuries.

"INPaT deplores that according to various sources there is a massive deployment of security forces in Tibet with journalists and other independent observers prevented from visiting Tibetan areas, especially in Sichuan province.

"INPaT calls upon the Chinese authorities to provide adequate information on the well-being and whereabouts of Tibetans who have been detained since the first self-

9

Violence Is Not The Answer To Tibet, Says US Senators' Resolution

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Dharamsala, India: ‘Violence is not the answer to the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people' Washington: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced a Senate resolution expressing deep concern about the current situation in Tibet and steadfast support for the Tibetan people.

In introducing the resolution, Senator Feinstein said, "Once again, we have seen how harsh and counterproductive Chinese policies have heightened tensions and led to deadly violence.

Violence is not the answer to the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people. We must raise our voice with this resolution to call on Beijing to respect the right of Tibetans to practice their own religion freely and preserve their distinct cultural and linguistic the Tibetans to wear traditional dress, a black mouth cover on that day and recite ritual prayers (Tib: Den-Tsik Monlam).

The Kashag requests everyone to conduct these vigils peacefully, in accordance with the laws of their country, and with dignity.

Dr. Sangay requests Tibetans not to celebrate Losar (Tibetan New Year), which falls on February 22 this year.

However, it calls on Tibetans to observe the basic customary religious rituals such as going to temple, burning incense and making traditional offerings.

World Parliamentarians call for UN Fact-finding Mission to Tibet

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

immolation last year by Ven. Phuntsok on 16 March and to withdraw the security measures imposed, including at religious institutions.

"INPaT welcomes that parliamentarians in many countries have expressed their concerns on the overall human rights situation in Tibet, especially after an alarming number of self-immolation protests by Tibetans.

While remaining in solidarity with the aspirations of Tibetan people, INPaT joins the call upon Tibetans not to sacrifice their valuable lives through self-immolations but instead maintain their collective voice and strength to face the challenges from the Chinese authorities.

"INPaT calls upon the Chinese authorities to promptly follow-up on its invitation to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a fact-finding mission to China and that such a visit ensures adequate time for observing the situation in Tibet. INPaT believes that such a visit by the United Nations chief human rights official can help convey an independent assessment on the human rights crisis faced by the six million Tibetans," the statement noted.

133 Members from 33 worldwide Parliaments who took part in the 5th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet (18/19 November 2009, Rome) adopted the "Rome Declaration on Tibet" which constituted the International Network for Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT).

US Senator Feinstein, Photo: TPI

identity."

According to press reports and the International Campaign for Tibet, since the beginning of the Chinese New Year on Monday, security forces in Sichuan province have three-times opened fire on Tibetans who gathered peacefully to protest Chinese policies on Tibet.

Since March 2011, at least 16 Tibetans (including four this month alone) have set themselves on fire and at least 12 have died.

Senator Feinstein's resolution: ·Mourns the death of Tibetans who have self-immolated and deplores the repressive policies targeting Tibetans; ·Calls on the People's Republic of China to suspend implementation of religious control regulations, reassess religious and security policies implemented in Tibet, and resume a dialogue with Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including the Dalai Lama; ·Calls on the People's Republic of China to release all persons that have been arbitrarily detained; to cease the intimidation, harassment and detention of peaceful protestors; and to allow unrestricted access to journalists, foreign diplomats, and international organizations to Tibet; ·Commends His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his decision to devolve his political power in favor of a democratic system; ·Congratulates Tibetans living in exile for holding, on March 20, 2011, a

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competitive, multi-candidate election that was free, fair, and met international electoral standards; and ·Reaffirms the unwavering friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Tibet.

In 1978, Feinstein (who was serving as mayor of San Francisco) invited the Dalai Lama to visit San Francisco. In the 1990s, Feinstein carried three letters to President Jiang Zemin from the Dalai Lama requesting a face-to-face meeting.

"As a friend of China and the Dalai Lama, I am saddened to see the situation in Tibet deteriorate to this point," Feinstein continued. "In my view, the Dalai Lama's concerns are driven by a strong Tibetan belief and experience that the Chinese Government continues to suppress the Tibetan culture and way of life."

"I urge the administration to work with our friends and allies in the international community and call on the Chinese Government to begin a substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama on national reconciliation, respect for the Tibetan culture, and meaningful autonomy for Tibet," said Feinstein.

Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.) cosponsored the resolution with Senator Feinstein.

(Read full text of the resolution)

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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 Sophie Jay

Carly Selby-James Samuel Ivo Colleen McKown 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.

Kangra H.P 176219 India

Taiwan India USA Australia UK US Belguim India India India India

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

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15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

TPI

Worldwide Vigil Day Calls Fact-finding Delegations To Tibet

Over two thousand Tibetans and supporters gathering in New Delhi, India to pay their solidarities with Tibetans who lost their lives inside Tibet, 08th January 2012.

Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Delhi, India: - Delhi, India: - Thousands of Tibetans and supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, the capital of India on February 8, to "highlights the critical situation of the Tibetan people inside Tibet and to express their solidarity to those who have sacrificed their lives in acts of protest against the oppressive Chinese regime."

These mass demonstrations come after twenty Tibetan self-immolation protests in Tibet, in addition to armed Chinese forces opening fire on Tibetans in Drakgo, Serta and Zomthang county of eastern Tibet, reportedly leaving at least ten dead and over three hundred wounded in total. More than one hundred Tibetan youths from Delhi also tried to storm the Chinese embassy in the Indian capital to show solidarity with Tibetans who have sacrificed themselves for Tibet.

"Despite the Communist Government of PRC's claim of having created a paradise on earth in Tibet in the last 52 years, the growing frustration of Tibetans against the Chinese policies is evident," a

statement of the Delhi Tibetan Solidarity Movement explained.

"With the self-immolations of Tapey in 2009, and beginning with the self immolations of Lobsang Phuntsok on 16th March 2011, 20 Tibetans have self immolated so far in Tibet, out of which, 13 have succumbed to their injuries. The status of 7 others is still unknown. The last 7 cases have been reported in January and February this year alone.

Two Tibetans in exile also attempted selfimmolation in India and Nepal," said a letter of the solidarity movement to Dr. Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India.

"Thousands of other Tibetans in Golog, Ngaba and Gyarong have peacefully demonstrated in the last few days. There may be many other unreported cases.

Communications to all these areas have been cut off. Security in all of Tibet has been stepped up and massive military reinforcements has been reported that has resulted in heightened tension between Tibetans and Chinese authorities," the solidarity movement said.

"China's assimilation policy coupled with mass migration of Han Chinese into Tibet in the past 52 years has turned the Tibetans into a minority community in their own homeland," it continued.

"China's single window policy of development as the one and only means to resolve conflicts with no respect for local sentiments has not only contributed to flooding Tibet with Han Chinese, but has led to the unscrupulous extraction of Tibet's mineral resources thereby affecting Tibet's ecology," it stated.

"Control of Buddhist learning in the monastic institutions by strict and irrelevant laws prohibits religious freedom," it added.

"Independent media, diplomats and even tourists have been barred from visiting all areas where recent incidents occurred. All pleas to allow independent fact-finding delegations have been denied. Communication has been barred, and that forbids the free flow of evidence from inside Tibet of what has actually happened," the statement further said.

"Ever since the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, China has turned the traditional Tibetan provinces into a real hell by killing and torturing Tibetans mercilessly to eliminate the root of our language and cultural identity," said Tenzin Kunzhang, a 34 Tibetan man, who was participating in the event.

Tibetans in exile on Wednesday again appealed to the international community, UN and governments to call on China to review its existing policies on the Tibetans in order to have a truly harmonious society and genuinely uphold international Human Rights standards and norms. They also called on China to allow independent factfinding delegations and members of the media to visit the effected areas and to seek the complete withdrawal of Chinese military from Tibetan monasteries.

The Tibet Post

More Concrete Actions from Int’l Community On Tibet: Political Leader

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Supreme Justice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgye, Deputy Speaker Lopon Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Kalons reciting 'Words of Truth' with the public before the Candle Light Vigil at Tsuglag Khang, Mcleod Ganj on 08 February 2012. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: - Expressing grave concern over the well-being of Tibetans in Tibet in view of the Chinese military build-up in Tibet, Kalon Tripa has called for more substantive support from the world community to end the Chinese government's repression in Tibet.

Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Supreme Justice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgye, Deputy Speaker Lopon Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Kalons reciting 'Words of Truth' with the public before the Candle Light Vigil at Tsuglag Khang, Mcleod Ganj on 08 February 2012.

"Hundreds of convoys carrying Chinese military personnel with automatic machine guns are moving towards Tibet. We fear many Tibetans might face unfortunate experiences," Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay told hundreds of Tibetans and supporters gathered at a solidarity vigil in Dharamsala today.

"We really feel the Chinese government is preparing for something really tragic.

Hence it is critical that the international community must intervene now to show support for Tibet and Tibetan people," Dr Sangay said.

Belgian PM Urged To Keep Human Rights Central In The Foreign Policy .... Continues From Front Page contact days, an annual meeting with all the Belgian ambassadors and ministers.

The head of the Belgian government stated: "the fundamental principle of human rights is the key point in the foreign policy, along with the strengthening of democratic institutions, the rule of law, a good management, and respect for the rights of everyone, from the majority but also of the minority."

In October 2011, the Belgian Tibet supporters Dennis Barbion and Ilse Keysabyl have written a letter already to the Prince of Belgium Philippe, in connection with the human rights violations in Tibet and China. The Belgian Prince had just finished a huge trade mission to China then. "I have read your letter with much attention. I will take this into account and pass it on to a number of counselors, and also to my staff for further investigation," said Elio Di Rupo."

The letter to the Belgian Prime Minister stated that "every person anywhere should have the fundamental human rights, as enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations in 1948, and adopted and approved by many countries.

Respecting human rights in a country is fundamental. It is the basis of a stable and peaceful society where all citizens are respected equally, without discrimination. Any form of

discrimination and oppression based on origin, race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, and this individual, by institutions, organizations or governments, should always be indicted and convicted, on a national or international level. Every human being should have the right to free speech, the right of assembly, freedom of practicing his religion, employment without any form of slavery, education, participation in culture and so on."

"Freedom, the urge for freedom, both individually and in society, is perhaps characteristic for every human being."

"Democracy is another basis for a good and balanced society. The democratic system is a political form of government that involves a whole population and also the opportunity to participate in decision making. Democracy is a form of equality for all citizens. A multiparty system and participation in the elections for everyone, with the right to be elected, is crucial."

"You are probably aware of the violent, military invasion of Tibet by the Chinese Red Army in 1950. Thousands of innocent victims, adults and children, lost their lives. This was no ‘peaceful liberation of the Tibetan people' as the Chinese authorities claim for many years, quite the contrary. Since then, this peaceful and tolerant people are affected enormously by the heavy repression directed from Beijing."

"Although China is a major economic superpower now, the people in Tibet and China suffer from a dictatorial regime, a one-party-system without any opposition. Even having a different opinion is not allowed. Anyone who expresses a different view than that of the CCP gets arrested and liquidated.

Political prisoners often have to endure the most intolerable and disgusting tortures, and China is also a leader in the number of death sentences. A party card and ‘loyalty to the party' and its leaders is the only opinion that is accepted and respected."

"In addition, there is also the censorship and manipulation of all the information and news by the Chinese government.

The reality is always packed according to the ideas and position of the CCP." "A recent study by the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy has pointed out that the situation in Tibet was very terrible last year. 2011 was one of the most repressive years ever. Human rights organizations have sounded the alarm regularly, but in vain... Because of the terrible oppression and inhuman living conditions, since March 2011 to date (7 February 2012) there have been already nineteen (!) self-immolations by Tibetans in Tibet. It is a very deplorable act of desperation, a terrible cry to the outside world to draw attention to the oppression and enslavement they have to undergo, with the hope for change and more human

living conditions and more freedom... It's something that those young Tibetans, including several monks or nuns, can only hope and dream of when they set themselves on fire in a public place... What would it be to live in such conditions, and how desperate must someone be for such a terrible deed?"

"Both the European Parliament and many other parliamentarians, for example in the United States, Germany, France, Canada and Australia, and prominent figures such as Archbishop Tutu and Richard Gere, have condemned the very violent reaction of the Chinese government on this selfburnings, and they called for respecting human rights and more freedom. The monasteries and villages as Ngaba where the self-burnings have taken place, are real military bases now, where thousands and thousands of Chinese soldiers are stationed, and where control and orders are very strict."

"The lack of freedom and restrictions in China have an impact on all residents, also other minorities like the Uyghurs and the people of Inner Mongolia, and even the ordinary Chinese citizens. Everyone is considered to respect and follow the laws and regulations of the Chinese Communist Party only, as there is no democratic nor multiparty system. Many of the universal human rights are violated on a large scale, with all the unfortunate consequences for the people..."

"When we, ordinary Belgian citizens who

"The Tibetans in Tibet are giving up their lives because the occupation of Tibet and repressive policies of the Chinese government is unacceptable," Kalon Tripa said.

"We really appreciate statements issued by different countries like the US and European countries. But we would like to seek some more concrete actions to send delegates to Tibet to investigate the reality and the military build-up in Tibet, deaths and torture of Tibetans, and the reasons why there is repression, why Tibetans are self-immolating," Kalon Tripa added.

He urged the US to pass the Senate resolution to show support to the Tibetan people.

Kalon Tripa urged the international media, including those working in China, to make more efforts to go to Tibet and objectively report why the Tibetans are self-immolating. "If the world media cannot go to Tibet, we never know what else is happening inside Tibetan areas, and how many more Tibetans are being killed and dying," he added.

Kalon Tripa said the Chinese government's response towards the Chinese people's protest in Wukang in Guangdong province show the discrimination against the Tibetan people. He said Guangdong governor fired local communist party officials, gave powers to the protesting groups and addressed their grievances.

"Whereas in Tibet, several hundred Tibetans gathered in Dragko area, but the Chinese police indiscriminately shot Tibetans and killed them. So, the world is watching that there is a blatant discrimination towards Tibetans because Chinese can protest, their grievances addressed, whereas Tibetans cannot protest," Kalon Tripa said.

"If the Chinese government thinks the Tibet issue can be solved through violence, force and intimidation, then it's not going to happen because the Tibetan spirit is strong. The Tibetan spirit would remain strong until freedom is restored in Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to Tibet," Kalon Tripa said.

stand up for Tibet and its people, and who are concerned about human rights in Tibet and China, hear the guidelines of your foreign policy, we can only applaud this: that respect for human rights is most important, and also the promotion and strengthening of the democratic principle, respect for the rights of all citizens, including minorities."

"There are many people who have a heart for Tibet and its people, also in Belgium.

It is also in their name that we send this letter."

"We express our hope that the emphases of foreign policy are not just empty words, but that real and concrete action is taken, to establish more freedom and better living conditions for Tibetans in Tibet, the Chinese people but of course also elsewhere."

"We thank you for an answer and look forward to the implementation of the foreign policy with the emphasis on human rights, and to a positive development in the countries where a dictatorship still is in power."