Page1 His Goliness Visits Japan Page 2 Petition for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Page 3 Celebration of 50 Years Page4 NZ Lawmaker Protest Page6 World Torture Day
Tibetan Environmentalist sentenced... page 6...... Vol. 01, Issue 20, 30 June 2010
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Appeal for Help and Justice
"Trust is Important to Build a Genuine Friendship and Love:" His Holiness By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International
Tenzin Delek RInpoche. Photo: TPI/File
Dharamshala: Relatives of detained Tibetan religious leader Tenzin Delek Rinpoche have expressed serious concern for his health and treatment in prison and called on the international community for help. According to latest information received by The Tibet Post International, the Tibetan monk suffers from bone and heart ailments as well as high blood pressure and receives no emergency medical treatment in detention. ...See page 5
Karmapa’s 26th Birthday
Nagano: His Holiness the Dalai Lama met and talked with some two hundred Japanese monks and nuns in Nagano, Japan this morning. The meeting was organized by the Zenkoji Temple along with four other Japanese Buddhist schools. His Holiness thanked the organizers for this opportunity to talk with the monks and nuns, and said that this kind of interactive meeting is very important to share each others' knowledge and understanding of the Buddhist religion. His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a brief introduction of how Buddhism was introduced and spread in Tibet. He explained that Buddhism first came to Tibet in the 7th century and began to take concrete shape in the 8th century when a great Indian philosopher and logician Saint Shantarakshita of Nalanda University in India visited Tibet. "Buddhism can be categorized into two major traditions, Pali and Sanskrit. Buddhism introduced in Tibet was of Nalanda Sanskrit tradition, where the teaching of Tantra is also
His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his Buddhism teachings in Japan on 20 June 2010. Photo: Tibet Office of Japan
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Thousands of buddhist followers gathered to celebrate the 26th birthday of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Dharamshala, India. Photo: Tibet Net
Why I Was Attacked By Chinese Security Guards - Russel Norman
Dharamshala, June 26: Tibetans and Buddhist followers living in Dharamshala celebrated the 26th birthday of His Eminence the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorje. Thousands of devotees from Tibetan communities, China, Taiwan and numerous foreign countries chanted hymns praying for peace and harmony while performing with traditional .....See page 2
NDPT and EU MPS talk Tibet Green Party co-leader Russel Norman is restrained by Chinese and New Zealand police officers as he attempts to retrieve his Tibetan flag during the arrival of VicePresident Xi JinPing, Parliament, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell By Voxy.co.zn
Mr. Chime Youngdung in Belgium meeting at the Tibet Intergroup in the Eurpean Parliament in Brussels on 23 June 2010. Photo: UNFFT/Dennis Barbion
Dharmshala: The President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT), Mr. Chime Youngdung, who is currently visiting Brussels, met with members from the European Parliament's Tibet Inter-group on Wednesday to discuss Tibetrelated issues including the election of the next Tibetan prime minister. On a five-day visit to the capital of Belgium, Chime declared that his party had decided to have better relationships with the parliamentarians in European countries, and increase his party's efforts to spread democracy in-exile and confront Tibetan political issues. Chime arrived in Brussels, the capital of the ......See page 2
Dharamshala: A prominent lawmaker from New Zealand has accused the security profile of Chinese vice president Xi Jinping of assaulting him, hitting him with an umbrella and snatching away the Tibetan flag he was holding during his one man protest on Friday. Green Party co-leader gave a personal explanation of the incident with Chinese government staff on the steps of Parliament last week to Parliament today. What follows is a transcript of his speech to the house: Mr Speaker I seek leave to make a personal explanation regarding the incident in front of Parliament involving the Chinese Vice President on Friday. Mr Speaker, Last Friday, in the lead up to the arrival of the Chinese Vice President, I held up a Tibetan flag at the bottom of the steps in front of parliament. My purpose was to draw attention to the shocking human rights abuses suffered by the Tibetan people under Chinese Communist Party
Government occupation of their country, in line with this parliament's long and honourable tradition of speaking out to protect human rights. I was well away from the security entrance to the Beehive where the Vice President was expected to arrive. I had no intention of getting close to the Vice President but nor would I be hidden away. I had not decided whether I would or would not voice my concerns as well as holding the flag. While I was standing still holding up the flag and not speaking, someone who I can only assume was part of the Chinese Communist Party Government's security delegation, began to push and obstruct me. I sought to avoid his pushing and shoving by moving away from him but he continued to push and harass my, up to then, silent protest. I was incensed by the actions of the foreign government's security person on the forecourt of parliament pushing around a member of this house and as the Chinese Vice President arrived I called out "Freedom for the people of Tibet". Shortly after I was then set upon by a number of, what I can only assume were, Chinese Communist Party Government security operatives who grabbed me from a number of sides. Another member of the Chinese Communist Party Government delegation, presumably a security person, then placed an umbrella over me to try to smother me and at that point I stepped forward from under the umbrella to try to avoid it. Another member of the Chinese Communist Party Government delegation then tore the Tibetan flag from my hands and stood on it. I reached forward to recover the Tibetan flag from under the foot of one of the security personnel. And then I held it aloft again. In avoiding these assaults from the Chinese ......See page 4
Tibet at G20 Protest
Tibetans and their supporters hold up signs as they make their way along Queen St. W. during the peaceful leg of Satuarday's G20 protest and Rally. Photo: TPI
Toronto: As illustrated banners of Chinese atrocities allegedly committed against Tibetans flapped in the breeze, cries of “Stop the torture!” “Stop the Genocide in Tibet!” and “Free Tibet!” ............ See detail on page 7
France AI Visits Dharamshala
Mr Joseph De Macedo (4th R) and Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari (5th R) along with the standing committee members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile in Dharamsala. Photo:Tibetnet
Dharamshala: Mr. Joseph Macedo, representative of Amnesty International (AI) in France, paid a 5day long unofficial visit on 13th June to Dharamshala, the site of Tibetan Government in Exile and second home of His Holiness the Dalai ......See page 5 Lama.
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TPI TIBET IN EXILE
30 June, 2010 Dharamsala
Exiled Tibetan Women Gears up for the PM Mass Mock Election
Exiled Tibetan Women Gears up for the PM Mass Mock Election in Dharamshala, India on 21 June 2010. Photo: TPI Article by YC. Dhardhowa The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: 65 participants from 30 different regional chapters of the exiled Women's group from India and Nepal today have converged in Dharamshala for a two-day intensive training to organize the first-ever ‘next Tibetan Prime minister Mass Mock Election' slated for July 6, 2010. The intensive training process would focus on processes and issues related to training Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) executives to successfully organize the Mass Mock Election, which would have the Tibetan people come out and choose a Tibetan prime minister of their choice. A significant feature of this project that runs for a year is that it inculcates
direct approach to education for all the TWA chapters in India, Nepal and Bhutan, as well as in overseas branches. The organization executives and staff will tour all the regional chapters in India, Nepal and Bhutan whereas the overseas non-standing its executive members will tour the overseas chapters to educate the electorate about the importance of this election and to convince them to exercise their franchise and their democratic right to elect their political leaders. This would take place from the July of 2010 to February next year (2011). To ensure a free and fair election, the exiled women's organization would not endorse any candidate nor reproduce
any nomination list presently being circulated. The voters therefore would be free to vote for a candidate of their choice, after the election the executive members of regional chapters of the organization would bring the ballots to the 10th Working Committee Meeting of TWA that is scheduled to be held in Manali (Himachal Pradesh) from July 16 to 22 2010, for an aggregate and transparent counting process . The central committee to the women group would then carefully analyze the voter turnout during the July 6 Mock Election and then produce a detailed report that breaks down the result of voter participation, this report would signify the implications for the upcoming primary and final election of the next Tibetan Prime Minister. The report would also profile all the names of the candidates elected by the voters of the July 6 Mock Election. As a chance for all the candidates to effectively affirm their candidacy, the group would convene a televised debate that would provide the candidates a platform to affirm their candidacy and an opportunity for an intellectually stimulating discussion about the issues and the concern that confront the Tibetan people. In a press release, the Tibetan women's group said that it was "resolute about the fact that freedom of expression and the franchise of the ballot are new expressions of the Tibetan practice of non-violence, and this election furthers our self determination and freedom in exile."the association also called for Tibetans around the world to engage educate and participate in the election of our future leaders. This mock election is but an attempt to engage the Tibetan public and bring them into the fold of successful democratic countries, as envisioned by His Holiness The Dalai Lama in 2000.
President of NDPT Talks Tibet Issues with the European Parliament Members
The Tibet Post
Tibetan exiles Celebrate Karmapa's 26th Birthday in India Article by YC. Dhardhowa The Tibet Post
......continued from front page ritual instruments. Dignitaries including Tibetan government officials, parliament members and heads of NGOs, monasteries, nunneries and institutions conveyed greetings to His Eminence the Gyalwa Karmapa. Earlier in the day, the programme had begun with the lighting of incense sticks by monks. This was followed by the offering of Mandalas to the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. Led by the monks, Buddhist followers also offered prayers wishing well being and a long life to the 17th Karmapa. Dignitaries attending the event also witnessed a presentation of Tibetan traditional dance and ritual programmes at Gyuto Tantric Monastery in Dharamshala’s neighboring town,
Sidhbari. The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Lama, who fled from Tibet to India in January 2001 after China’s religious suppression and human rights violations, is now settled in Dharamshala, India and has been granted refugee status by the Government of India. He is the head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Buddhism, which is headquartered at the Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. The 17th Karmapa Lama possesses the highest authority of any Tibetan Lama recognized by both Beijing and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Of the more than 150,000 Tibetans now living in exile in various settlements across India, Nepal and Bhutan, nearly 130,000 also celebrated the Karmapa Rinpoche’s birthday.
40,000 Signatures on Petition for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's Release
Tibetans in Dharamshala, India signing to the documents for release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, on 16 June, 2010. Photo: TPi Article By YC. Dhardhowa The Tibet Post
Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
......continued from front page European Union, on Monday 21st June. During his five day stay, his itinerary will be planned by Mr. Dennis Barbion, UNFFT Ambassador for Belgium and Europe. The local coordination is being handled by Mr. Jamyang Dorjee and his assistant. Accordant to a press statement issued by the NDPT today, Mr. Youngdung had a meeting with representatives of Tibet support groups including Vrienden van Tibet (Friends of Tibet Belgium) and the Tibetan Development Fund Belgium on Tuesday, June 22. During the meeting that lasted one hour and a half, Chime gave an introduction about the NDPT, and explained about the very important Kalon Tripa elections 2011. Mr. Youngdung emphasized the importance of democracy, a democratic system with several political parties, and a two chamber system in the Tibetan Parliament: one chamber of people who are directly elected by the Tibetans worldwide and one chamber with representatives of the different regions in Tibet and the Tibetan Buddhist schools. "The Tibetan group emphasizes the
importance of well educated, young and active members of the new Tibetan Parliament, who also speak English. The NDPT finds it extremely important for the future that young Tibetans are well and highly educated. The party also organizes workshops. Last year the NDPT had a workshop with Tibetan students of political science in Italy, in cooperation with many Tibet groups in Italy, the University and the province of Sienna," the press release reads. The NDPT has about 4000 members in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Mr. Youngdung has been President for four years. When he became President, the party had six or seven regional chapters. Today the NDPT has 33 regional chapters. On the same day, Chime had a meeting with members of the Tibet Intergroup in the European Parliament in Brussels, including its President, Mr. Thomas Mann. Mr. Youngdung introduced the NDPT and the position of his party regarding the Tibetan elections. On Thursday June 24, Chime has a meeting and discussion with several Belgian politicians who support Tibet. On Friday, Mr. Youngdung has an
interview with a Tibet Support Group, and later that day a meeting and discussion with representatives of Friends of Tibet Luxembourg. On Saturday 26th June he will meet with members of the Tibetan Community in Belgium. By the end of July, Mr. Chime will have visited six countries: Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland and Austria. After his European tour he has planned another trip to Ladakh in India and Nepal. He was also invited by the United Nations for a Free Tibet to European countries. Mr Chine expressed interest in meeting with Mr. Tashi Wangdi, who is the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, at the Office of Tibet in Brussels. The office in Brussels is the main Office of Tibet on the European continent. Chime said that "the political stands are totally different between the Office of Tibet and the NDPT, the meeting was open and cordial. Political discussions, an exchange of ideas and dialogue are however always interesting and important."
Dharamshala: Tibetans and their supporters came together for a global day of action today for the release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a highly revered religious leader and community organizer from eastern Tibet who is currently serving a life sentence in a Chinese prison. In cities around the world, demonstrators delivered a 40,000 signature petition to Chinese embassies and consulates denouncing China's unjust imprisonment of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. In Dharamshala alone, more than ten thousand petition signatures were sent by fax and courier to Chinese authorities in Beijing and to the Chinese embassy in New Delhi. The petition text mirrored a similar petition signed by 40,000 Tibetans in Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's home region of Lithang in Kham, eastern Tibet (Chinese: Sichuan Province ). Members of Tenzin Delek's family have made previous attempts to deliver the petition to the Chinese government in December 2009 but were stopped when en route to Beijing. "Like all Tibetan prisoners of conscience, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche
did not receive a fair trial under Chinese law. Now is the time for his case to be re-opened and a new trial to be granted in accordance with international legal standards, especially given his deteriorating health condition," said Ngawang Woebar, President of Gu Chu Sum Movement of Tibet and a former political prisoner. "We sent 40,000 signatures from around the world to the Chinese government today to press for the release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, who has served nine years of an unjust prison sentence. We are also standing in solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet who have risked their lives to appeal for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's freedom, and call on the international community to join our appeal for this innocent Tibetan monk." Tibetans and their supporters took action today in Dharamshala by delivering petitions to Chinese embassies and consulates on four continents, faxing petitions to Beijing ministries and briefing foreign governments. Organized in Dharamshala by Tibetan Women's Association, Gu Chu Sum & Students for a free Tibet - India.
TPI DALAI LAMA
The Tibet Post
Celebration of 50 Years Indo-Tibetan Friendship
Local Indians and Tibetans celebrating 50 years of Indo-Tibetan friendship in Dharamshala. Photo: TPI By Yang Sham, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Dalai Lama and his fellow Tibetans celebrated 50 years of settlement in Dharamsala today with a ceremony that took place in the main Tibetan temple. Indian dignitaries were among those present at the function along with high ranking Tibetan officials from the exiled government. The event began with a fire-puja
(havan) and prayers chanted by Hindu priests asking for the long life of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Speeches were made followed by a community lunch served in traditional Indian fashion with leaves being offered as plates. In his keynote speech, the Tibetan spiritual leader hailed the friendly
relationship between local Tibetans and Indians, saying that in general, there is a harmonious relationship between the two. He did mention that some disagreements do arise between the Tibetans and Indians occasionally, but it is only natural. The Tibetan leader said that most people find Tibetans likable because of their pleasant nature. This was not only the case in India, but also in other countries like Canada and America. China was no exception. His Holiness further emphasized the importance of acknowledging this love, which hasn't emerged from mateiral things like money, books or physical attrributes but from the pleasant nature of Tibetans. He advised Tibetans to hold true to this in their dealings with other people. The 74-year-old Nobel peace laureate concluded his speech with a joke, saying that it is very difficult to perform fire-puja in such extreme heat. His holiness ended by thanking the Indian government's unwavering support for the Tibetan cause. The event was jointly organised, on behalf of Indian community of McLeod Ganj, by Indo-Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS), Hotel Association, Beopar Mandal, Bagsu Taxi Union, Auto Union, and Trekkers Association of McLeod Ganj. Please visit our photo gallery about this event.
30 June, 2010 Dharamsala
H.H the Dalai Lama Arrived in Japan for a Religious Visit
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives at Narita International Airport, Japan, June 17, 2010. Photo: TPI By Yang Sham, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: 74-year-old exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama arrived in Japan this morning for a weeklong religious visit which starts this weekend .His Holiness last visited Japan in November 2009. On Saturday the Tibetan spiritual leader will visit the Zenkoji Temple, a
........Friendship and Love Anti Whaling Protests Should be Non-violent; says His Holiness ......continued from front page
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks during a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of JapanC (FCCJ) in Tokyo Saturday, June 19, 2010. Dalai Lama arrived in Japan on Friday for a four-day visit during which he schedules to deliver a Buddhist sermon at historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano and give lectures in two other cities. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) By Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said on Saturday that anti whaling protests in Japan should be non violent and carried out in a peaceful manner. His Holiness is currently on 11 day lecture and religious tour of Japan, where he says he has no plans of meeting any government ministers. The Nobel peace prize winner said in a news conference that he had written a letter, to the US-based Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to stop its violent harassment of Japan's whaling fleet. In the letter he said that he recognized the need to protect
these giant mammals from being harmed, but any protest should be non violent. Japan currently carries out its annual whale hunt, using a loophole that exists in the international moratorium against whaling by saying that the hunt is conducted for scientific purposes. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader who has lived in India since escaping Tibet in 1959,praised his host country saying that he hoped to promote ‘harmony', a quality that that been cherished in India for more than a thousand years.
included. This Buddhism spread in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. There was some dispute that Mahayana and Tantrayana were not taught by the Buddha, but from the writings of Buddhist masters like Santarakshita, Nagarjuna, Dhigna, Dharamkriti, and others, it is very clear that Mahayana and Tantrayana were taught by the Buddha." He explained. During the interactive sessions, a question was raised as to what Buddhism can do to solve the problems and disasters in this world. His Holiness said that Buddhism alone cannot solve the world's problem. "Like any other religions, Buddhism too has great potential to help the world. Problems in this world are manmade problems and come from extreme self centered attitudes and lack of a holistic view. Analyzing and working on these two shortcomings, Buddhism can help mitigate the problems in this world." He said. On being asked about His Holiness being the incarnation of the Buddha of compassion, he said that he is just a simple Buddhist monk and one of six billion people in this world. "Some people says I am a living Buddha, some says I a demon, these are all nonsense. But as a Buddhist believing in reincarnation, sometime I have a feeling of previous lives. I feel especially close to the 5th and 13th Dalai Lamas. I never claim I have achieved Boddhicitta wisdom, but I think I can say I have experienced it as a practitioner." In the afternoon, His Holiness spoke to some 7000 people in one of the biggest stadiums in the city on the "Guide to Positive Clear Light." He greeted the people and said that he was happy to be with them and share ideas. His Holiness gave a brief
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His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet on his 3rd day visit in Japan on 20 June 2010. Photo: Tibet Office of Japan
teaching on Sherab Nyingpo, the Heart Sutra, and explained about emptiness and non-existence of self before moving on to the main teaching. His Holiness said, "Man is a social animal, we are all dependent on each other. Trust is important to build a genuine friendship and love. This is the basis of a happy family and society. Our life is based on affection of others, human affection is key to a happy life. We are all born from our mothers, without whose affection we would not have grown into healthy members of this world. This gets us to think about development of moral ethics, inner values, love, and compassion. Moral ethics is not a matter of religion alone. A secular approach needs to given, so that it becomes more universal." In the question and answer period, responding to a question on terrorism, His Holiness said that an overemphasis on "I" and "You" and "We" and "They" should be avoided. "We all live on this same planet. Having a problem with our neighbor is our problem. Terrorism is a major problem, which has to be solved on a human emotional level rather than one of hatred." As a message to young Japanese, His Holiness suggested that they should learn English and think beyond Japan, see the world, and contribute in their respective capacities. When His
well-known 7th century Buddhist Temple in Nagano city, and will meet the two Chief Abbots of the Temple. At the Zenkoji temple, he is scheduled to lead a mass prayer for the victims of Kyigudo earthquake, which struck on the 14th April 2010 killing thousands of Tibetans, as well as for the natural disasters happening all across the world. He would then speak to the assembled media. The Nobel Peace Prize winner will give a public talk on Guide to Positive Clear Light on Sunday at an indoor sports arena in Nagano prefecture, organized by Zenkoji Temple. After this he will visit Saihoji Temple, a Jodo school of Japanese Buddhism, on Monday to address the monks and consecrate an eight feet statue of Buddha Amitabha [Opadme, Buddha of infinite light] constructed by Tibetan artisans for the Temple. Later In Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, His Holiness will give a half-day teaching on The Heart Sutra (sherab nyingpo) organized by Busshokai foundation (Tibetan Refugee Support Group) on Tuesday, followed by a half-day teaching on Tsongkhapa's In Praise of Dependent Origination (tendrel toepa) and Generating the Altruistic Mind Enlightenment in addition to a public talk on The Essence of Happiness and a Healthy Co-Existence at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall in Yokohama on June 26, south of Tokyo. The Tibetan spiritual leader will conclude his tour by making a brief appearance at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Japan (FCCJ) on June 27 and meeting with Tibetans living in Japan on June 28, and then return to India on the same day.
Holiness said that even his broken English is very useful while going around the world, the crowd burst into laughter. His Holiness will visit Saihoji Temple tomorrow and consecrate an eight foot statue of Buddha Amitabha, Od Padme, and will give a teaching on th "Four Noble Truths" to the monks and lay people there. In the evening he will leave for Kanazawa city in Ishikawa prefecture. Article by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Tibet House Japan 20th June 2010.
TPI INTERNATIONAL 4 US Speaker Calls For Peacefu future New Zealand Lawmaker Assaulted by Chinese Security for Tibetans Among Other 43 Million Refugees 30 June, 2010 Dharamsala
The US House of Representatives speaker, Nancy Pelosi and a group of US House of representatives met H.H the 14th Dalai Lama, Friday 21st March 2008 at main Tibetan temple, Dharamsala. Photo: TPI By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi Sunday called for a 'more secure, just and peaceful future' for Tibetan and other refugees around the world. 'In India and Nepal, there are approximately 70,000 Tibetan refugees who have escaped Chinese repression over the dangerous Himalayan mountain passes. There continues to be no resolution in sight as the Chinese government will not engage directly with His Holiness the
Dalai Lama in a peaceful dialogue,' Pelosi said in a statement on World Refugee Day (June 20). "On Sunday, United Nations World Refugee Day, we again bring attention to the plight of men, women and children all over the world who have been forced to flee their homes for safety. The theme of this year's World Refugee Day is: 'They have taken my home, but they can't take my future.' This is especially fitting given the current statistics on refugees around the world," said Speaker Pelosi.
The Tibet Post
Since Chinese troops took control of Tibet in the 1950s, Tibetans have been fleeing to India and Nepal seeking religious and other freedoms. 'On Sunday (World Refugee Day), we again bring attention to the plight of men, women and children all over the world who have been forced to flee their homes for safety,' said Pelosi, according to her press statement in recognition of United Nations World Refugee Day. "Currently, the UN estimates there are more than 43 million refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. Sudan has the largest refugee population - 2.6 million have been internally displaced and 250,00 Darfuri refugees are in Chad. These individuals and families are driven from their homes without warning, and are often unable to access the most basic necessities. Refugees often live in overcrowded and undersupplied camps, where they are exposed to disease, crime, and other harsh conditions. They often have to wait from one month to eight years or more until a country accepts their application for residency. 'Today, we must honour the people of Sudan, Tibet and so many other refugees around the world who have been uprooted from their homes by helping to build a more secure, just and peaceful future,' Pelosi said in the statement issued by her office in Washington.
His Holiness Speaks to Japanese Buddhists About Promoting Values causality and karma has traditionally served this purpose.
His Holiness Speaks to Japanese Buddhists About Promoting Values. Photo: TPI
The thrust of his talk, however, revolved around the growing need to develop a modern, universal means for promoting moral ethics and a quiet mind. "We must find a secular way, not including religion...to promote the values of moral ethics." He emphasized using a combination of tested concepts and shared experience coupled with the latest scientific research to help achieve this. In the US, he noted, there are currently three universities funding such research. Stanford, Emory, and the University of Wisconsin all have programs looking into how to develop peace of mind "not through prayer, but through meditation."
By Alex O. Bleecker, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala:The Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Yesterday spoke to a group of three hundred monks and nuns at the Marunochi Hotel in Nagano. At the center of Japan, Nagano was developed around the historic Zenkoji Temple, and has a rich Buddhist tradition. Speaking through a headset
microphone and donning his now signature maroon visor, His Holiness spoke about the connections between moral ethics and a calm mind, and the various ways to promote them. He first acknowledged the role religion plays in this capacity. In western religions, belief in God has always helped to instill values in followers. In eastern faiths, an emphasis on the law of
His Holiness touched on the social and health benefits of cultivating values in conjunction with a calm mind. "Warm-heartedness," he mentioned, leads to a healthy society with healthy families. "Fear, anger, and hatred are actually eating our immune systems," he said, while noting that "a calm mind reduces stress and blood pressure. Result: your body becomes healthier."
Green Party co-leader Russel Norman displays his Tibetan flag during the arrival of Chinese Vice President Xi JinPing. Photo / NZ Herald By Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: A prominent lawmaker from New Zealand has accused the security profile of Chinese vice president Xi Jinping of assaulting him, hitting him with an umbrella and snatching away the Tibetan flag he was holding during his one man protest on Friday. The co - leader of the green party Russell Norman said that the incident took place on the steps of parliament as the Chinese vice president arrived for a meeting with officials, Norman said that he was surrounded by Chinese guards as he waved the Tibetan flag and shouted for democracy in the Himalayan nation that has been Chinese occupation since 1950. "The Chinese security guards elbowed me out of the way, and then I got an umbrella over the top of me and they took the flag off my hands and trampled on it, "Norman was quoted as saying to reporters later on. The speaker of the New Zealand parliament Mr. Lockwood Smith called for an immediate and thorough investigation. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, in 2005 another protest by a green party member made Chinese security officials demand that the New
Zealand police remove the lawmaker with his Tibetan flag, and prevent him from disturbing the visit of China National People's Congress Chairman Wu Bangguo.Chinese officials then said that the Tibetan flag was "causing gross offense to the Chinese visitors." However Mr. Norman appears to have the support with the prime minister of New Zealand John key saying that ""New Zealanders have an absolute right to express their view and to demonstrate peacefully for their causes and Dr. Norman has that right like any other New Zealander,". Key went on to say that "I guess in future (we need to) ensure that both the New Zealander's right to express their view and protest is preserved but the dignitary involved doesn't feel their safety and security is compromised." The Chinese vice president, who is widely tipped by many to become China's leader when President Hu Jintao steps down in 2012, is currently on an official three-day visit for trade talks and related events and is traveling with about 100 senior business representatives. This trip to New Zealand is part of a four-nation tour that has already taken him to Bangladesh and Laos.
....Attacked By Chinese Security Guards? ......continued from front page Communist Government officials I was dragged closer to the security entrance. Mr Speaker the Prime Minister John Key has accused me of charging at the Chinese Communist Party Government Vice President. I deny this. I was intent on standing my ground but this proved impossible in the face of the assaults from the Chinese Communist Government security officials. I certainly ended up closer to the Vice President than I wished to, but at each step I was trying to avoid the assaults of the Chinese Communist Party Government security operatives who appeared in control of the Parliamentary forecourt. Mr Speaker the Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has accused me of harassing the Vice President. I deny this. I was standing still, well away from the Vice President until the Chinese Government security operatives started to push and harass me. I would like to thank the New Zealand
DPS officer at the scene who was, in spite of being outnumbered, doing his best to keep the Chinese Communist Party Government security operatives off me. I apologise to him for suggesting otherwise at the time. I accept it looked a bit undignified, and that isn't ideal. But it was pretty hard to look dignified when you have a bunch of Chinese Government security people grabbing hold of you and pushing you around and putting an umbrella over you and taking away the Tibetan flag you're holding! But I would rather a little messy free speech than seamless totalitarian silence. Thanks to everyone who sent messages of support, especially the many Chinese and Tibetan people here and overseas who fear to speak out but see our country as a beacon of hope for democracy and free speech. And to those who disagreed with my actions, I defend your right to free speech too.
TPI TIBET IN EXILE
The Tibet Post
Petition for Tezin Delek RInpoche’s Release Article By YC. Dhardhowa The Tibet Post International
International Commission of Jurist, Geneva, reported gruesome methods of tortures on Tibetan people by the Communist party. Tibetan people are beaten to death, crucified, burned alive, and drowned, vivisected, starved, strangled, hanged, scalded, buried alive, disemboweled, and beheaded. These cruel acts are the gravest crime committed in the human history and it is worse than the sad century of Greece," the statement reads.
30 June, 2010 Dharamsala
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Tibetans Best Judge of their Representative; says Spokes-person
UN high commissioner for human rights, Pillay on yesterday warned torturers that they could not escape justice even if they might benefit from short term impunity. "Torturers, and their superiors, need to hear the following message loud and clear: however powerful you are today, there is a strong chance that sooner or later you will be held to account for your inhumanity," Pillay said. A Tibetan monk participating to signature campaign organized by Guchusu movement, on 26 June 2010 in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala: On 26th June, hundreds of people including Indians, foreigners, and Tibetans commemorated the 13th United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The petition and signature campaign was organized by the former Tibetan political prisoner group "Guchusum movement of Tibet", the group also made the point that such inhumane behavior is an essential element in Beijing's strategy against Tibetan political prisoners and dissidents, even those who simply use their freedom of expression. As communities across the world commemorated the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June, the exiled group denounced the Chinese authorities long history in the use of torture against Tibetan detainees to obtain information or to intimidate
them, without ever having had to fear any consequences. "Fifty long years have passed since china invaded Tibet. Up till 1979, 1.2 million Tibetans were brutally killed and more than six thousand monasteries razed to rubble according to a report by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. The situation over the years hasn't changed as the Chinese government continues to subject Tibetan people to various forms of physicals and mental tortures depriving them of human dignity and freedom, which all people are entitled to, irrespective of caste, color, creed and religion, by virtue of being a part of the same global family .i. e, humanity," said in a statement issued by the Tibetan group. "In the book "The question if Tibet and the Rule of law" a report compiled by
Jailed Tibetan Monk, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Appeals For Help and Justice ......continued from front page Tenzin Delek Rinpoche is a highly respected Tibetan religious leader and community organizer who is currently serving a life sentence in a Chinese prison. Sentenced to death in December 2002 on false charges of exploding bombs and distributing Tibetan independence leaflets, Delek's sentence was lessened to life imprisonment after an international campaign was launched on his behalf in January 2005. Under Chinese law, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche did not receive a fair trial. Now is the time for his case to be reopened and a proper trial to occur. On April 27, Chinese officials from the Lithang County police station sought out Rinpoche's two sisters, Sonam Dekyi and Dolkar, in order to arrange for a private meeting between the three in the nearby city of Chengdu. Prior to the meeting, his doctor informed the women that Tenzin Delek was suffering from bone and heart ailments as well as high blood pressure. The sisters were surprised to find their brother fat and healthy and not at all as the doctor had explained. The meeting was photographed and recorded, and the photos later surfaced in the media. This unusual behavior caused suspicion among Tibetans because they feared that the Chinese government might be planning to do bad things. The sisters told Tenzin Delek that they had gone to the high court in Beijing to fight for his appeal in December. This was to no avail because they lacked proper
By Catharine, The Tibet Post
sentencing documents. Four days after their trip to Beijing, the women returned to discover 10,000 people from Lithang and Nyachukha counties protesting the injustice of Delek's sentencing. Tenzin Delek encouraged his sisters to continue their efforts as well as personally sending 26 letters to various Chinese government departments. When the letters deemed ineffective, Rinpoche summoned his sisters to fight for a second appeal at the Beijing high court. In order to fight this case effectively, Rinpoche will need an
"Torture is an extremely serious crime, and in certain circumstances can amount to a war crime, a crime against humanity or genocide," she added in a statement to mark Saturday's International Day for the Victims of Torture. "There is one aspect of all this that should cause even the most ruthless and self-confident torturers to stop and think: in time, all regimes change, including the most entrenched and despotic. 2010 report cites documentation of numerous atrocities, including the targeting of civilians, destruction of shelters, pillage, killing, rape, abduction and torture. It further alleges the Sudanese government used "artillery, ground troops, helicopter gunships and high-altitude bombers against the civilian population". ECOS estimates that 12,000 people died and 160,000 were forcibly displaced through such efforts.
educated Chinese or Tibetan lawyer. The fight for justice continues today. At the end of May, five Tibetan women (Sonam Dolma, Vodor, Rilril, Amuk, Dhonbe) went to Sichuan province to fight for an appeal. The law states that if a prisoner is unhealthy or has a serious disease then the government is required to release the prisoner for proper treatment. The women demanded this as the Tibetan monk was in bad health prior to his jail time. Ultimately, the government will be held responsible if anything bad happens to Rinpoche. Chinese Sichuan province authorities responded by saying that they will check the Tibetan monk's health and if he has a disease then they will follow the rule of law. But, results are still pending.
Amnesty International representative visits Dharamshala By Yang Sham, The Tibet Post
......continued from front page Mr. Joseph, who was in charge of AI's China division, met with newly-arrived Tibetan refugees at the Tibetan Reception Center and visited the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute as well as Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. He had also meetings with the deputy speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Mrs.Dolma Gyari, and its Standing Committee members. At some meetings with heads of Tibetan Center for Human Rights and
Democracy and UN, EU and Human Rights Desk of Department of Information and International Relations, Mr. Josephe discussed about human rights situation in Tibet. Beside meetings with representatives of various Tibetan NGOs and some Tibetan former political prisoners like Ama Adhe and Palden Gyatso, he also joined local Indians and Tibetans in celebrating the 50 years Indo-Tibetan Friendship ceremony chaired by exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday.
A Tibetan monk participating to signature campaign organized by Guchusu movement, on 26 June 2010 in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI Article By Gautham Ashok The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Tibet Post International is in conversation today with Mr. Thubten Samphel, the spokesperson for the Tibetan government in exile based in Dharamshala, India. Smart, soft spoken and eloquent Mr Samphel fled Tibet as a child and came to India, where he was educated in some of the best colleges of the country. He now works as a spokesperson for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's administration and is also the author of 'Falling through the Roof', a book based on his experiences as a refugee. When asked to comment on a recent Chinese media publication, that claimed that "the Dalai Lama was not qualified to speak on the state of 6 million Tibetans" Mr Samphel, said that "This stand taken by the Chinese government is very cliched and the Tibetan administration has responded many times to such allegations and accusations made by the Chinese side". He went on to say that the best judge to decide whether His Holiness the Dalai Lama was a true representative of the Tibetan people would be the Tibetan people themselves, and they must be given the chance to decide freely what course they would take on such a matter. "The institution of the Dalai Lama itself is very old, whereas the Chinese communist party is barely 60 years old, and assumed power only through the power of the gun, the institution of the Dalai Lama is the symbol most Tibetans would think of, when asked about Tibet, that itself says a lot about the credibility of the Dalai Lama institution". Responding to the Chinese claim that prior to the 1950's Tibet was a very feudal and backward society, and it was only the Chinese occupation that helped the Tibetan society develop, the spokesperson had this to say "the Tibetan society of the past was not a Shangri la, it was not a paradise but compared to other societies at the time, it was not that bad either. Admittedly people were poor but they were not starving, and Tibetan Buddhism which played and still plays such a huge part in the lives of Tibetans teaches us to work to survive and not with the overriding aim of wealth being the focus, for example the Tibetan nomads would look after livestock but would not slaughter them for profit. This was the Tibetan way. Injustice was prevalent it is true, but the Chinese claim that the
14th Dalai Lama did nothing to address this situation is false because when His Holiness came to power in 1950,he set up the reform committee to ensure fair and equitable distribution of land, and it was only the Chinese invasion that lead to these reforms being sabotaged." When asked to explain the explanatory note, that was given by the central government in exile after Chinese officials had rejected "The memorandum for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people" on the grounds that it was contradictory to the Chinese constitution, Mr Samphel said that "the memorandum was a very reasonable document that had nothing controversial in its length, but the Chinese united front government said that this was nothing but another way to seek independence, the memorandum seeks nothing but to request the Chinese government to implement the rights given to minorities,i.e the Tibetan people that is itself enshrined in the Chinese constitution, and called for one single administration to be set up to serve the needs of 6 million Tibetans in China, and this one administration must enjoy genuine autonomy, under the auspices of the constitution of the People's Republic Of China. The baseless allegation and accusations made by the Chinese against the Dalai Lama is merely an attempt to justify their rejection of the memorandum. There are also many Chinese scholars living in China but independent of the government who feel that this memorandum is the best possible solution, to prevent Tibet from slipping out of China's control. A law firm that was based in Beijing sent a few of its employees to Lhasa to examine the causes for unrest in the Tibetan society, and in their report made after a month of extensive research said that the frustration and eventual protests grew out of the wrong and rigid leftist policy followed by the Chinese government not as the Chinese government claimed started by the instigation of His Holiness." The current Chinese government is very stubborn on its stance, but there are now voices emerging from inside China that feel that maybe the current regimes handling of the situation is not right, therefore there is still hope for the Tibetan people, and all we can do is keep up our inner strength and keep hope in our hearts.
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30 June, 2010 Dharamsala
US Regrets Crackdown Against Tibet Environmentalists
Karma Samdup visiting Lhasa, the capitla of Tibet. Photo: File/Woeser Blog By Yangsham, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: US has regretted the action by authorities of communist regime of China against Tibetan environmentalists and said this is something it continues to talk to China about. The 2006 Environmentalist of the Year, Tibetan businessman, and Chinese government detainee Karma Samdup was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on tomb-raiding charges. "We certainly regret that action and it is something that we continue to talk to China about," State Department spokesman P J Crowley told reporters. The spokesperson was responding to questions about a leading Tibetan
environmentalist and philanthropist, Karma Samdrup, his two brothers, two cousins, other relatives and supporters who have been targeted and imprisoned despite no alleged evidence of political activities. The three brothers, who are now in custody and facing charges, had been regarded as model citizens and previously acclaimed in the Chinese state-run media for their environmental and cultural work. Karma Samdrup, a 42-year old businessman, well-known collector of Tibetan art and founder of the awardwinning Three Rivers Environmental
TPI TIBET Protection Group, appeared in a court in Xinjiang on Thursday. He was detained following unsuccessful efforts to secure the release of his two brothers Chime Namgyal and Rinchen Samdrup, who were imprisoned on August 7, 2009 after accusing local officials in eastern Tibet of poaching endangered species. In a blog written after her attendance at the trial and posted online today, Karma Samdrup's wife Dolkar Tso wrote: " paused for a while, 'Today my friends and relatives are here, and there is probably a lot I shouldn't say.' The account we heard afterwards exceeded our worst imaginations, we heard about hundreds of different cruel torture methods, maltreatment around the clock, hitherto unheard of torture instruments and drugs, hard and soft tactics, and even of fellow prisoners being grouped together to extract a confession. "If he did not reveal certain details he would be mentally tormented. If he wanted to eat or go to the toilet he had to write an 'IOU', an 'IOU' which has already amounted to 660,000 RMB (USD 96,864). "The 'purchased' food would first be crushed by people using their feet, there would be beatings for no reason, this was common and occurred too many times to count. He said in a sad voice that he had already prepared for death and he had written a letter to tell his relatives what to do. Two elderly interpreters had red eyes and started crying bitterly." The blogpost, entitled "Praying" is translated from the Chinese by the website High Peaks Pure Earth.
Tibetan Human Rights Group Commemorates World Day Against Torture
Tibetan monk who was tortured by Chinese authorities in Tibet for several years in Tibet, the tools posited infront of him were used during his imprisonment. Photo: File/TPI By The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Today, June 26, marks the 13th anniversary of the United Nations designated International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Attaching importance to this anniversary, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) commemorates the day to stand in solidarity with the victims of torture throughout the world. The UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) entered into force on June 26, 1987. An important step in the process of globalizing human rights and
acknowledging the universal illegality of torture, the United Nations General Assembly ruled to designate June 26 each year as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Though The People’s Republic of China (PRC) signed and ratified the CAT in both 1986 and 1988, torture and ill-treatment continues to be an endemic feature in the Chinese administered network of prisons and detention centres across the Tibetan plateau. Tibetans who voice their support for the Dalai Lama or have divergent views to those of the Communist regime have been primary targets of torture, ill-treatment or other forms of human rights violations. It has been widely reported that Chinese Public Security Bureau (PSB) and People's Armed Police (PAP) are repeatedly using torture as a means of intimidating, investigating and extracting information or confessions from real or perceived offenders and detainees. In an unprecedented ruling, China recently passed a law prohibiting evidence with unclear origins, confession obtained through torture, and testimony acquired through torture and threats in death penalty cases that are under appeal. However, recent cases illustrate that convictions in the Chinese court system are strongly dependent on confessions, motivating police forces
to use torture. Earlier this week, Karma Samdrup, a Tibetan environmentalist once praised and named philanthropist of the year in 2006 by state broadcaster CCTV, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, deprivation of political rights for five years and fined 10,000 yuan ($ 1,500) on highly contested charges of grave robbing and dealing in looted antiquities. In his statement to the court, he reported that during months of interrogation, officers beat him, deprived him of sleep for days on end, and drugged him with a substance that made his eyes and ears bleed, all part of an effort to force him to sign a confession. He lost at least 40 pounds in police custody. This latest case highlights official rampant use of torture to extract confession despite the official pronouncement of a new regulation to invalidate such evidence. Such continued use of torture and illtreatment in the conviction of suspects, coupled with the belief that a subtle form of mental torture is being used on prisoners in Tibet of which long-term effects include suicide due to psychological trauma, has prompted TCHRD to call into question the efficacy of the new regulation. The Centre its support for the UN call for the prohibition against torture and illtreatment and respect for human rights.
The Tibet Post
Buddhism Played Important Role in Mongolian and Tibetan Culture: His Holiness
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking about Buddhism in Japan on 25 June 2010. Photo: TPI By The Tibet Post
Yokohama, Japan: His Holiness met with some 200 people of Mongolian origin this morning. Mongolian musicians in their traditional attires welcomed His Holiness to the audience hall. His Holiness expressed his happiness for being able to meet the Mongolian people here in Japan. His Holiness said that the Mongolian and Tibetan had a relationship of more than 1000 years. "Spread of Buddhism in Mongolia in the middle and later stage was mainly from Tibet. The title "Dalai" also came from Mongolian King during the third Dalai Lama. There were many Mongolian scholars in Tibet during my time. Courage of Genghis Khan
and the spears and daggers of his army made Mongol a military power in the past. Now, with this courage of Genghis Khan, and knowledge and expertise of your expertise you should lead Mongolia to prosperity and peace. "Buddhism played important role in Mongolian and Tibetan culture. But we all must study and become 21st century Buddhists. Mere recitation of scriptures and praying will not help, you need to study and analyze. There are more than 100 volumes of Kagyur [Buddha's teaching] and 200 Volumes Tengyur [commentary of the teachings], all these should not be just an object of reverence, it should be used as text books to study and practice the teaching of Buddha." He said. In the afternoon, His Holiness visited Setagya Gakkuen School, where students from 17 middle to high schools and the teachers gathered to hear His Holiness' speech on "From
vision to reality". His Holiness was received by the Principals, Headmasters, teachers and staff and the students of the schools at Setagaya Gakkuen in Tokyo. His Holiness advised the student to study hard and become a contributing citizen not only of Japan but of the world. He explained about the Buddhist way of learning, thoe, sam gom sum, [hearing, analyzing and mastering]. "In order to properly master the field of your study, you should go through these three stages seriously. Time changes, your knowledge should be able to go with the time. Your knowledge is a key, this key should be able to open your mind to solve, create and contribute for the welfare of humanity." He said. His Holiness said, "Japan went through a very hard and difficult time during World War II, but because of the Japanese people's determination and hard work, Japan was rebuilt to a prospering land of democracy and rule of law. This is very good, young people should take their expertise abroad and help the less developed nations. "20th century has been a century of violence, now, you should make this century a century of peace and dialogue. Peace does not mean absence of problems, there will be many problems, but the way to solve the problems should be through mutual respect and dialogue, not war." Setagaya Gakkuen school along with other 17 schools under the Sotoshu school of Japanese Buddhism organized the talk at the school. Later, the Principal Hayashi on behalf of all the students and teaching staff of the school thanked His Holiness for his precious talk and inspiring the young students to become a contributive members of this planet. Tomorrow, His Holiness will give a oneday teaching and talk at Yokohama Exhibition hall to the crowd of some ten thousand people. Article by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Tibet House Japan, 25th June 2010 Friday.
TPI INTERNATIONAL
The Tibet Post
Canada Tibet Committee: It’s Time to Put Tibet on G8 Agenda
Uighur, Tibetan and Mongol demonstrators hold flags and posters while marching during a joint protest against China, in Stockholm, Sweden July 9, 2009. Photo: Reuters Article by Canada Tibet Committee
This week's G8 summit in Huntsville is a unique opportunity for world leaders to speak with a single, resolute voice in support of the Dalai Lama's effort to seek a negotiated settlement with the Chinese government; to push for broader and more meaningful human rights protection in Tibet and China; and to encourage sustainable development in the region. While the challenges facing Tibetans are great, continued support from Canada and other G8 members for the Dalai Lama's Middle Way Approach has strengthened Tibetan resolve to work towards a mutually beneficial solution with the Chinese government that secures genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the Chinese constitution, based on the mutual benefit and long-term interest of the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. Indeed, since 2008, seven members of the G8 have expressed support for the dialogue between the Chinese government and representatives of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to resolve ongoing differences. The cause of this peaceful struggle -
the full expression of the Tibetan religious, cultural and linguistic identity within China - is internationally acknowledged as the only way to achieve stability across Tibet. With this overwhelming backing, the G8 summit is truly the time to rally these voices into common cause to encourage the Chinese government to seize the chance to reach a peaceful solution to the Tibet issue. In addition to advancing the dialogue, there are a number of other measures that can be pursued within the G8 context in order to provide tangible benefits for Tibetans. It's essential that G8 leaders make an unequivocal representation to President Hu over China's lack of fair judicial process, religious repression and continued human rights abuses against Tibetan and Chinese citizens alike. Collective pressure encouraging reform to China's policies of economic development and social services in Tibet, and an offer of assistance in developing appropriate implementing
strategies, could also do much to address legitimate Tibetan grievances and aid in alleviating Tibet's widespread poverty. While the Chinese government has invested billions into development and subsidies in Tibet, few of these projects have raised the standard of living for most Tibetans. This is due to the nature of development projects in Tibet, which are often designed to benefit outside investors and migrants. What is needed is meaningful consultation in which Tibetans are given the necessary information, including all assessment reports, to reach an informed opinion as to whether a project is in their best interests. Consultations should engage all stakeholders. Citizens should be free to express their dissent free from coercion, and with the free, prior and informed consent to proceed resting with the Tibetan people themselves. Also neglected in China's development plans for Tibet have been improvements in basic social services - most visible the lack of adequate and accessible healthcare. Healthcare costs are prohibitively expensive for most Tibetans. This is compounded by a lack of nurses and doctors capable of speaking Tibetan to their patients. G8 members can respond by assisting in providing professional training for Tibetans in the healthcare field and pressing the Chinese government to subsidize healthcare costs. Training for Tibetan professionals should include teacher training, but any investment in education in Tibet must be wedded to the broad-based strengthening of Tibetan rural communities, including the provision of local infrastructure such as electricity, running water, and telephone services. Innovative education models have demonstrated that when a commitment to Tibetan cultural
Hundreds of Tibetans and their Supporters Participate in the G20 Protest By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
......continued from front page rang through the streets of Toronto during Saturday’s G20 protest. More than 500 Tibetans and sympathizers participated in the protest to denounce the Chinese occupation of Tibet that has left more than 1.2 million dead. Though the Canadian press reports that other groups at G20 turned violent, the Canadian-Tibetan community remained peaceful as it voiced its dissatisfaction to Chinese president Hu Jintao, who attended the G20 summit in Toronto. Thupten Wangyal, past president of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario, and current resident of South Parkdale, Canada, told reporters that the Tibetan protesters strategically placed their group at the end of the parade of protestors. Largely composed of labour groups, the parade snaked its way from Queen's Park, at University Avenue and College Street, to the intersection of
Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue. "We are purposefully at the back because we want to be peaceful always. We want to send a strong message that we are peaceful," said Wangyal. "At the same time we want to get the message to the Chinese leaders and the G20 people." The Canadian Tibetan Association is asking Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to address a number of issues related to Tibet with President Jintao while at the G20 talks. "Our main concern is that the Chinese oppression is still going on inside Tibet, and China should respect international law. China must stop torturing Tibetans and the Tibetan people must enjoy religious freedom, freedom of speech, and that is the message," Wangyal said. He adds that the Tibetan people and
30 June, 2010 Dharamsala
resources; and encourage multilateral collaborative decision-making regarding the plateau's water resources, including all regional and local stakeholders. It's time to move beyond the traditional statements of support for Tibet that countless countries have made in order to achieve real progress by making Tibet a substantive and results-oriented part of the peace and security agenda at the G8 to bring about lasting solutions to these issues upon which the very existence and identity of the Tibetan people depend. Article by Dermod Travis, the executive director of the Canada Tibet Committee.
traditions and Tibetan language use exists, Tibetan parents and teachers will become motivated and students will perform well above expectation. Finally, Tibet - which China considers its "number one water tower" provides water to ten downstream nations. Tibet is indispensable to China's ability to successfully implement global climate change solutions. G8 leaders should urge China to undertake international assessments of changes in the Tibetan Plateau's ecosystems, water resources and land use policies; ensure the participation of Tibetans in decision-making and management of the area's natural
China confirms 15-Year Sentence for Tibet Environmentalist Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International
occurred in 1998 when he was arrested for excavating and raiding tombs. These charges were later dropped according to his lawyer Pu Zhiqiang. Trouble arose again when Samdup's two brothers, Rinchen Samdup and Chime Namgyal, were arrested in August 2009 for accusing a Chamdo Prefecture police official of illegal poaching in the Eastern Tibet region. Rinchen's trial is still pending, but he faces many charges including illegal activity in the start-up of the NGO Three Rivers Environmental Protection Association. Reports from Namgyal's relatives state that he has been sentenced to 21 months at a labor camp for disruption of national security and is being tortured by officials. Karma Samdrup fought for his brothers' release and was arrested again for the old tomb raiding charges as a result. Human Rights Watch reported that Karma Samdup has also been beaten by prison officials as well as undergone several months of interrogation, sleep deprivation, and drugged with a substance that causes the eyes and ears to bleed. Despite the introduction of a new regulation by China's Supreme People's Court that prohibits the use of confessions or testimony obtained through torture, violence and intimidation in a court of law, Samdup has been founded guilty. Samdup's case is important because it shows how the Chinese government will rule in future torture cases.
Tibet environmentalist, Mr Karma Samdup visiting UN Building in New York in 2004. Photo/file/Woeser's Blog
Dharamshala: A prominent Tibetan businessman and philanthropist who was lauded by officials of the Chinese Communist regime for his environmental work has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of grave robbing and dealing in looted antiquities more than a decade ago, his lawyer told reporters Thursday. The 2006 Environmentalist of the Year, Tibetan businessman, and Chinese government detainee Karma Samdup was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on tomb-raiding charges. Samdup is one of the founding members of the award winning environmental NGO Three Rivers Environmental Protection Association and a respected philanthropist throughout the community. His supporters believe that Samdup is being made an example of because of his public activism. This case is significant because it precedents the Chinese government's stance on torture. Samdup's first run-in with the law
their supporters are also concerned about the environment, the exploitation of Tibet's natural resources and the protection of human rights in Tibet. Wangyal said he wasn't sure what additional activities the Tibetan protesters and their supporters had planned for the weekend. However, he did know that they would continue to try to have their voices heard in a peaceful manner. Of the various nationalities and causes present at Saturday’s mass protest, most did not want violence. Other protesters included EthiopianCanadians denouncing their homeland's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who they claim "has muzzled civic society," and VietnameseCanadians protesting their country's Prime Minister Dung Tan Nguyen, who they accuse of being "corrupt."
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TPI VARIETY
Tibetan Parliament Appreciates Italian and European MPs for Raising Tibet issue
Tibetan Parliament in-exile on its session in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/file By Melissa MacEwen, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: In appreciation of the efforts of the newly established International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT), the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile recently sent letters to the network’s co-chairs, the Honourable Mr. Matteo Meccaci, MP and Honourable Mr. Thomas Mann, MEP Germany. Meccaci and Mann had raised issues surrounding Tibet with world leaders. Additionally, they had encouraged G8 leaders to intensify their pursuit of a solution to
the Tibet-China conflict through dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government. Among other efforts, the INPaT sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada, lauding the Canadian government’s involvement with Tibet. The letter clarified the Dalai Lama’s views on the Tibet situation by explaining that his preferred Middle Way Approach aims to achieve autonomy for Tibet, while simultaneously working under the constitution of the People’s Republic
of China. Ideally, this Middle Way Approach would benefit the current and long-term interest of both China and Tibet. Another issue discussed in the letter were international concerns surrounding Tibet’s delicate environment. INPaT urged G20 to consider three primary proposals: to undertake independent, international scientific assessment of the changes in Tibet’s environmental policies, to engage native Tibetans, particularly nomads, in environmental decision making, and to encourage broader collective governance and decision-making of Tibetan aquatic resources by including stakeholders both regionally and locally. Pleased with the current international support, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari states: “We are encouraged by the unwavering support of INPaT. Since 2008, seven members of the G8 have already expressed support for the dialogue between the PRC government and representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the ongoing differences. I believe that G8 and G20 leaders have far more concrete support to offer to bring more effectiveness in resolving the issue of Tibet peacefully through dialogue".
Tibet Exists. What About The Tibetan Movement?
By DR, Lobsang Sangay
On the 49th day of tragic earthquake in Kyegudo, it is important to remember the systematic assimilative strategy of the Chinese government to remove Tibet from the global map as clearly illustrated in their attempts since the earthquake to present Kyegudo as belonging to "West China." The fault lines between the images of monks in red robes digging with their bare hands and PLA soldiers with red flags atop their machines was hard to ignore. It was in part a nationalist expression by Tibetans from Lhasa to Lithang to Labrang to assert the area as being part of Tibet by rescuing and comforting their compatriots while the Chinese leaders trips prefer to regard Kyegudo as West China. To study Tibet's place in the global consciousness I typed Tibet into the GOOGLE TRENDS to compare global interests and was reassured to find that the term Tibet showed up in various regions, cities and languages of the Google Trends. Similarly, it was comforting to find that the world pays close attention in the Dalai Lama, reaffirming the strong faith displayed by earthquake victims in His Holiness even after fifty years of separation. In short, the international community retains an interest in Tibet (red) and the Dalai Lama (blue) with a particular upsurge in 2008. (See below).
1GOOGLE TRENDS compare global interests in your favorite topics and how frequently they have appeared in Google News stories, and in which geographic regions people have searched for them most.” The bad news is that when I typed "Tibetan Movement" in the Google Trends, to my surprise, the answer was BLANK, meaning that not enough people are searching for it, nor is the news covering the Tibetan movement. What about the Tibetan government in exile? Blank. The Tibetan parliament in exile? Blank. Kashag: Blank. Rangzen and Rangzen Alliance: Blank. Selfdetermination or Satyagraha for Tibet: Blank. But what about the Tibetan news media like the Voice of Tibet, Radio Free Asia and Voice of America (Tibetan section): Blank. Except for the term Middle Way which does appear, as far as Google trends goes the Tibetan movement might as well not exist. (See below) Your terms - Tibetan government in exile, Chitue, Rangzen, Kashag - do not have enough search volume to show graphs. It is difficult to digest such a humbling realization that both Kashag and Rangzen, although significant factors in the Tibetan world, are not searched for in the world at large. When Tibet coverage is compared with other movements like Burma and East Turkestan, they all suffer similar fates. Interestingly Palestine as a nation, Mohammad Abbas as a leader, Palestinian Authority as a government, PLO as an organization and Intifada as a movement, pop up like a rich wave with graphs climbing to the Temple Mount and landing in the valleys of Jerusalem. The PLO, despite being a coalition of ten acrimonious factions and despite its violent divorce with Hamas, projects coherence and communicates its aspirations to the global community. How is it that Tibetans have not succeeded in
articulating their movement? (See below) A critical question is: are Tibetans robustly exercising their free speech to articulate in unison the Tibetan movement? Google says no. Etymological confusion is palpable given different definitions of the Tibetan government in exile, such as Kashag, Central Tibetan Administration, and Bhoeshung. Is the Tibetan parliament in exile, Chitue, Drotsog, or the Tibetan Assembly? Rangzen or Tibetan independence is patriotic and powerful, yet parochial as per Google. Is our movement Free Tibet, Save Tibet, Campaign for Tibet, Lhakar movement or Tibetan Freedom Movement? An obvious lack of consistent terminology to define the movement is causing hindrance towards achieving a globally recognized entity. The graph could be a mirror image of the movement's lack of coherence, and its many disparate voices. A cursory review of websites, press releases, statements, blogs, and news items, reveals a narrow orientation of personal, organizational and departmental agendas. Such empirical evidence should wake us up to the realization that we are still in the infancy stage in exploring the sea of the 21st century information revolution (emphasis added). What can be done? The bottom up democratic process is for every Tibetan to wrack their brains for an inclusive proper noun capturing the essence and spirit of the Tibetan movement. Then an encompassing definition ought to be repeated like a Mani mantra in statements, speeches, press releases and publications. Rather than the usual unproductive zero sum blame game and finger pointing, fingers should be aimed squarely at the Chinese government, particularly at the hardliners. The movement would emphasize unity, planning (strategic and tactical) and
The Tibet Post
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Blesses Newly Built Mandala Hall By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Nagano, Japan: His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Saihoji Temple on Monday where he celebrated the opening of an exhibit in the newly built Mandala Hall. The exhibit contains 8 Boddhisattavas, a gilded Amitabha Buddha statue and 30 auspicious symbols. The statue is representative of the co-existence of Tibetan and Japanese Buddhism. This three day event also included teachings from his holiness about finding one's inner Buddha nature. He said, "awareness of one's innate Buddha nature will give self-confidence and provide a key to happy life." Anyone can achieve this if they identify that the cause of all suffering is inner ignorance and delusion. World Peace Stupa Blessed Nagano, Japan: His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited and blessed a four decade old Buddhist stupa located in the Saizo Hokyoin Tou temple this morning. Built by four Japanese and Tibetan Buddhists after the war in 1964, the stupa symbolizes World Peace and the riddance of violence and hatred in the world. His Holiness blessed the stupa by first tying a white khata (Tibetan ceremonial scarf) around the monument and then praying. Hosang Kai group member Nakamura Hideksugu was present and said, "I feel a deep spiritual connection with the Tibetan people now that His Holiness has blessed the stupa." Clear Light = World Unity Nagano, Japan: The Big Hat Stadium was graced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama Sunday afternoon when he gave a public talk to over 7,000 people titled "Guide to Positive Clear Light." He explained that clear light is a neutral state of mind- closer to accessing positive emotions (love, kindness and compassion) than the negative (stress,
anxiety, selfishness). The mind can be overrun by negative emotions that enable it to work with bias and anger. It is only through developing a calm mind that one can find clarity in thought and avoid destructive behaviour. In order to do this, one must understand interdependence-the root of all problems is ignorance and selfcenteredness. He went on to explain that this lack of interdependence has led to the current economic global crisis and the Copenhagen Climate Change failure because leaders didn't view problems pertaining to the world as an united issue. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the oneness of humanity. Attendee Iwai Takamoto said the speech "touched me profoundly... I feel like even I can make a difference."
discipline as its three cardinal principles. Only then will the Tibetan movement reincarnate in a dynamic form and only then will the Google God bestow recognition. Ultimately, the survivability of the Tibetan government in exile will determine the sustainability of the Tibetan Movement. The latter cannot exist without the former. If Tibetans are not able to attract the interest and support from the rest of the world then the sustainability of the government in exile will be in a precarious position. His Holiness the Dalai Lama repeatedly advises Tibetans to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. As it stands today, we are nowhere near prepared. Without His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as is clear from the Google trends, we will lose the major profile of the movement. Then Tibetans are left only with one profile: homeland Tibet. Even homeland Tibet is assaulted by the Chinese government as in the case of the Kyegudo and the pressure on foreign governments to define Tibet as "Xizang," or "Tibetan Autonomous Region" and "West China." Already some countries are adopting these formulas. Given the relentless multi-pronged strategy of the Chinese government to exert pressure at global, regional, and national levels, as well as within Tibet and among Tibetans in exile, so as to fatally marginalize the exile government, there is urgency for a multi-pronged
counter-strategy. There is simply neither space for complacency, nor time for finger pointing at each other. We need to buckle up and, in stealth fashion, begin by encapsulating the dynamic spirit of the Tibetan movement, and then capture the imagination of the world. With the collaborative and creative work of Tibetans from all walks of life, I am optimistic that an exciting noun or acronym will encapsulate the unifying soul of our struggle! It is a miracle that the Tibetan Movement survived for fifty years, mainly due to the hard work of elder Tibetans and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Challenges of Himalayan proportion lie ahead for younger generation if it is to strengthen and sustain the Tibetan Movement for another fifty years. Let us use our free speech vibrantly and express ourselves robustly in a unifying voice. Only then will the world take note and reward us with support. Only then will the Google trends graphs for the Tibetan movement be also like the Tibetan plateau, as they should be: with high peaks and beautiful valleys. Then and only then, Kyegudo will have Kyegu in true sense of the word "nine rebirths" and Tibet will remain Tibet for Tibetans. See how your favorite topics feature in the Google Trends: www.google.com/ trends For general information go to http:// www.google.com/intl/en/trends/ about.html#2
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks to his aides under a big image of Buddha upon his arrival at Zenkoji temple in Nagano on June 19, 2010. Photo: Getty Images