Tibetan News Update - Chairman's Note

While the world is focussing on the cyclone in Burma and the devastating earthquake in China, the peaceful demonstrations in Tibet and the aftermath of those have been sidelined. However, Tibet supporters worldwide have not forgotten the Tibetans in Tibet who are still being arrested and jailed, something that I feared from the beginning. It is slowly but surely becoming a reality inside Tibet. Although many world leaders, including our Prime Minister Helen Clark, have spoken to Chinese leaders about the need for meaningful negotiations between China and Tibet to find a peaceful solution for Tibet, my personal belief is that the world leaders should put pressure on China to release those peaceful demonstrators, otherwise the world will have failed them. I ask that you to urge your local MP, the Foreign and Prime Ministers to act to get them released.

The earthquake affected not only China, but also some of the Tibetan areas which once were part of Tibet, but are now in the Sichuan province-see report from ICT. As we are all part of mankind, we also felt for the people, Tibetan and Chinese for the loss of life, homes etc. The Tibetan Government-in exile requested that all Tibetans and Tibet supporters worldwide stop all protests outside Chinese embassies and consulates until the end of May to show that we do care about the people of China. We have done this in New Zealand also.

Most of you will have seen or read about the pro-China demonstrations held around the world, instigated by the Chinese government. They came out en masse to protest against “biased western media”. In New Zealand, especially in Auckland, they came out in their thousands, waving their red flags. It reminded me of the photos of the Hitler Youth Movement of the 1930s. One thing the Chinese forgot, is that in this lovely country of New Zealand, peaceful demonstrations are allowed. These students did not do justice to their cause by attacking the few Tibet supporters who appeared during their demonstration-it was counterproductive, as we have never targeted or protested against the Chinese people in general. Our protests have always been against China's policies in Tibet. After 40 years of being in New Zealand, this is the first time that I have seen Chinese students (?) making personal attacks. I have received numerous text messages and emails in abusive and foul language, and been called names, which is uncalled for. The latest text message was on 28 th May.

There was a recent demonstration organised by the Green Party outside the Australian consulate in Auckland in support of the Tibetans in Canberra, who were demonstrating against the Olympic Torch Relay in Canberra. The demonstrators were badly shaken up by the actions of Chinese students. At the end of our demonstration in Auckland, three Chinese students, especially a girl, hurled abuse at us, even though we were not demonstrating against China. The girl asked me where I was from, and when I replied “Tibet”, she screamed at me: “You should be ashamed of yourself! If you were doing this in Tibet, you would be shot”. This is a telling example of their attitude. She was eventually arrested for attacking two people, and kicking the panels of a taxi.

It is not long until the arrival of the Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay in New Zealand, which will travel the country from 23 rd June until 1 st July, starting in Invercargill. The Relay is being coordinated by Paul Cullen. Kevin and France, who will be taking the torch in their big truck, have organised the supply of yellow tee shirts for the runners to wear. I hope that you have responded to my email and contacted your local co-ordinator to register your interest. This is a great opportunity for everyone to take part in, whether running or walking with the torch. The Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay is not a fundraising event; the $30 charge covers the cost of the tee shirt with the free cap. If you haven't already done so, please contact your local organisers as soon as possible so that the plans can be finalised.

As to the Olympics-we are enclosing an orange ribbon for you to wear during the Games. This is part of the Colour Orange event, being organised by the Tibet Support Group network. Please wear it at the start of the Games on 8 th August until the end of the Olympics to show your support for Tibet, and to remind the world that contrary to the “Harmony” of the Olympics, all is not well in Tibet and China.

In Auckland we will be celebrating the Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday 5 th July, at All Saints Church Hall at 7.30 pm. (See our ad. in this newsletter.)

I look forward to seeing you all as we travel around the country with the Tibetan Freedom Torch.

NEWS UPDATE