Latest Appeal from His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the world leaders, Parliamentarians, NGOs and public who have expressed their concern over the recent deeply saddening and tragic events in Tibet. We are also grateful for their efforts in persuading the Chinese authorities to exercise restraint in dealing with the peaceful protesters, while at the same time calling for meaningful dialogue to resolve the issue.

I believe the recent demonstrations and protests are a manifestation of the deep-rooted resentment not only of the Tibetan people in the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), but also in the outlying traditional Tibetan areas now incorporated into Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, where there exist substantial ethnic Tibetans.

According to reliable sources, the Chinese authorities have deployed large contingents of troops in these traditional Tibetan regions and have not only started to crack down heavily on the Tibetans allegedly involved in the unrest, but also sealed off the areas where protests have taken place.

I therefore appeal for your continued support in calling for an immediate end to the current crackdown, the release of all those who have been arrested and detained, and the provision of proper medical treatment. We are particularly concerned about the provision of adequate medical facilities, as there are reports of many injured Tibetans being afraid to go to Chinese-run hospitals and clinics.

I would also request you to encourage the sending of an independent international body, to investigate the unrest and its underlying causes, as well as allow the media and international medical teams to visit the affected areas. Their presence will not only instill a sense of reassurance in the Tibetan people, but will also exercise a restraining influence on the Chinese authorities.”

THE DALAI LAMA
Dharamsala, India

His Holiness’ Appeal to the People of China

His Holiness the Dalai Lama today issued an important appeal to Chinese people everywhere. Here are two extracts:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life in the recent tragic events in Tibet. I am aware that some Chinese have also died. I feel for the victims and their families and pray for them. The recent unrest has clearly demonstrated the gravity of the situation in Tibet and the urgent need to seek a peaceful and mutually beneficial solution through dialogue. Even at this juncture I have expressed my willingness to the Chinese authorities to work together to bring about peace and stability.”

“Chinese brothers and sisters - wherever you may be - with deep concern I appeal to you to help dispel the misunderstandings between our two communities. Moreover, I appeal to you to help us find a peaceful, lasting solution to the problem of Tibet through dialogue in the spirit of understanding and accommodation.”

Please read the full text, which can be found here. (A translation of the prayer His Holiness refers to in his statement can be found here).

Urgent appeal from the Tibetan Government in Exile

Since 10th March 2008 there has been successive peaceful demonstrations in various parts of Tibet (inside and outside TAR), which were brutally suppressed.The current situation in Tibet is extremely serious. The Chinese government’s ultimatum is due to expire at mid-night today. Therefore, we are extremely concerned that there is every possibility of a huge massacre of Tibetans taking place after the ultimatum.

The Central Tibetan Administration urgently appeal to the international community including the United Nations, governments, parliaments, Human Rights groups and Tibet Support groups to effectively urge the Chinese leadership to immediately stop repression and to release all those who have been detained, and to provide immediate medical care to all those who have been injured.

We particularly urge the United Nations Human Rights Council to immediately send a fact-finding delegation to all the affected areas in Tibet to prevent further deteriorations of the critical situation.

KASHAG

17th March 2008
Dharamsala