CHAIRMAN'S NOTE
February 2008 - March 2008
First of all, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year, and also a Happy Tibetan New Year (Losar) the Year of the Wood Mouse 2135, which fell on 7 th February. May this year bring positive changes for Tibet and the Tibetan people.
Olympics: The eyes of the world will be on the Beijing Olympics in August. Let's hope that the world's media will be allowed to report unhindered on the abuses inflicted on the Tibetans by the Chinese government. Although China and the IOC have already stated that these will be friendly Games, they also state that any religious or political protests will be unacceptable. Personally I think that the IOC has not implemented the conditions that it imposed on China on it being granted the rights to host the Games: that China's human rights records must improve in Tibet and China. Recent news articles prove that these measures have not happened. The IOC has turned a blind eye. It is therefore up to the world's media to highlight China' continuing abysmal human rights record. I was saddened and amazed to read in the paper about New Zealand athletes not allowed to express any opinion during the Olympics about political or religious issues in China. Where is the freedom of speech? Shame on the New Zealand Olympic Board. Remove this contract from its clause for the athletes.
In relation to the Olympics, the Freedom Torch will be in New Zealand from 24 th June to 1 st July this year. There will be an opportunity for FOT members to carry the Freedom Torch a short distance. Please check with your local branch for details. We will keep you up to date by email periodically as to its progress. It starts in Athens on 10 th March (Tibet Uprising Day), and after going around the world will finish either at the Tibet border or in Dharamsala, depending on the political situation in Nepal. The more people who participate, the more goodwill of support will be generated for Tibet. Every metre that is covered will be a statement for Tibet. Bring your family and friends to make this a huge event.
Sir Edmund Hillary: It was with great sadness that we bade farewell to Sir Edmund, one of the greatest New Zealanders of the 20 th Century. He not only conquered Mount Everest, but also followed this feat with other adventures, and returned to help the people who helped him reach the world's highest summit. The Tibetan people are forever grateful to Sir Edmund and his Himalayan Trust for the work, which continues to be done for the Sherpas who are descended from Tibetans. His Holiness the Dalai Lama sent a message of condolence to the Hillary family. As we say in Tibet, “May his soul find rebirth soon.”
10 th March: Tibet Uprising Day: On the 49 th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China in Lhasa in 1959, Tibetans and Tibet support groups worldwide will be commemorating this day. Please check with your local branch for activities and gather together to remember the 1.2 million Tibetans who lost their lives as a direct result of Chinese occupation of Tibet. In Auckland we will be holding a short service at the Cenotaph at 6.30 pm.
Best wishes and Tashi Delek
Thuten Kesang
National Chairman