Stellungnahme von Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay zu den
jüngsten Tötungen von Tibetern durch die VR China
Während die Chinesen am 23. und 24. Januar 2012 überall die
ersten Tage des Jahres des Drachens feierlich begingen, schoss
die chinesische Polizei wahllos auf Hunderte von Tibetern, die
sich in Drango, Serthar, Ngaba, Gyarong und anderen benachbarten
Gegenden friedlich versammelt hatten, um ihre Grundrechte
geltend zu machen. Wie verlautet, wurden dabei sechs Tibeter
getötet und um die 60 verletzt, manche von ihnen so schwer, dass
man um ihr Überleben fürchten muss.
Wegen solch grauenhafter Gewaltakte wie diesen letzteren und
der systematischen Unterdrückung des tibetischen Volkes, haben
dessen Groll und Verbitterung über die chinesische Regierung
seit der massiven Erhebung von 2008 nur noch zugenommen.
Seit der Invasion Tibets beansprucht die chinesische
Regierung, ein sozialistisches Paradies in Tibet schaffen zu
wollen. Den Tibetern werden jedoch ihre grundlegenden
Menschenrechte verweigert, die empfindliche Umwelt wird
zerstört, die tibetische Sprache und Kultur werden assimiliert,
Bilder Seiner Heiligkeit des Dalai Lama sind verboten, und das
tibetische Volk wird wirtschaftlich marginalisiert. Tibet ist
nun völlig von der Außenwelt abgeriegelt. Ausländer dürfen nicht
mehr nach Tibet einreisen, die gesamte Region steht de facto
unter Kriegsrecht.
Deshalb rufe ich die chinesische Führung auf, den Klagen der
demonstrierenden Tibeter und derjenigen, die sich selbst
verbrannten, Beachtung zu schenken. Mit Gewalt und dem Töten von
Demonstranten werden Sie die berechtigten Klagen der Tibeter
nicht abstellen und die Stabilität in Tibet nicht wieder
herstellen können. Der einzige Weg, um die Tibetfrage zu lösen
und einen dauerhaften Frieden zu schaffen, besteht darin die
Rechte des tibetischen Volkes zu achten, sowie den Dialog
aufzunehmen. Für jemanden, der sich dem Prinzip des
ausgleichenden Dialogs tief verpflichtet fühlt, ist dieser
Einsatz von Gewalt gegen die Tibeter sowieso unerträglich. Er
sollte von allen Menschen in China und in der ganzen Welt auf
das Schärfste verurteilt werden.
Ich rufe die internationale Gemeinschaft auf, sich mit dem
tibetischen Volk solidarisch zu erklären und in diesen
kritischen Zeiten ihre Stimme zum Schutz seiner Grundrechte zu
erheben. Ich ersuche darum, dass die internationale Gemeinschaft
und die Vereinten Nationen eine Untersuchungsdelegation nach
Tibet entsenden, und dass den internationalen Medien Zugang zu
der Region gewährt wird. Die Führung in Peking sollte sich
darüber im Klaren sein, dass sie in einem ungeheuerlichen
Verstoß gegen das Völkerrecht und in Missachtung ihrer eigenen
Gesetze ihre eigenen „Familienmitglieder“ tötet, und dass eine
solche Handlungsweise Chinas moralische Legitimität und sein
Ansehen auf der Weltbühne nur noch mehr in Frage stellen wird.
Ich möchte hiermit auch meinen geliebten Brüdern und
Schwestern in Tibet beteuern, dass wir ihren Hilfeschrei laut
und deutlich vernehmen. Wir bitten Euch, verzweifelt nicht und
nehmt Abstand von allen extremen Schritten. Wir fühlen Euren
Schmerz mit Euch und wir werden nicht gestatten, dass die Opfer,
die Ihr gebracht habt, umsonst waren. Ihr seid alle in unseren
Herzen und Gebeten – einen jeden Tag und ohne Unterlass.
Ich ersuche ferner meine tibetischen Landsleute, das Losar
(Tibetisches Neujahr), das dieses Jahr auf den 22. Februar
fällt, nicht zu feiern. Führt jedoch die gewohnheitsmäßigen
religiösen Rituale aus wie zum Tempel zu gehen, Räucherwerk zu
verbrennen und die traditionellen Gaben darzubringen.
Um unsere Solidarität mit den Tibetern in Tibet zu bezeigen,
bitte ich die Tibeter und unsere Freunde in der ganzen Welt, am
Mittwoch, den 8. Februar, weltweite Mahnwachen abzuhalten. Lasst
uns eine laute und vernehmbare Botschaft an die chinesische
Regierung richten, die Botschaft, dass Gewalt und das Töten
unschuldiger Tibeter nicht akzeptabel sind. Ich bitte alle
darum, diese Mahnwachen in Frieden und Würde und im Einklang mit
den Gesetzen des jeweiligen Landes durchzuführen.
Dharamsala (India) - 26 January 2012
Statement by Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the recent
killings of Tibetans by the P. R. China’s government
As Chinese everywhere were celebrating the first couple of
days of the Year of Dragon on January 23rd and 24th, 2012.
Chinese police fired indiscriminately on hundreds of Tibetans
who had gathered peacefully to claim their basic rights in
Drakgo, Serthar, Ngaba, Gyarong, and other neighboring Tibetan
areas. Six Tibetans were reportedly killed and around sixty
injured, some critically.
Because of gruesome acts such as these and the systematic
repression of Tibetans, the resentment and anger amongst
Tibetans against Chinese government has only grown since the
massive uprising of 2008.
Ever since the invasion of Tibet, the Chinese government has
claimed that it seeks to create a socialist paradise. However,
basic human rights are being denied to Tibetans, the fragile
environment is being destroyed, Tibetan language and culture is
being assimilated, portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are
banned, and Tibetans are being economically marginalized. Tibet
is in virtual lockdown. Foreigners have been barred from
travelling to Tibet now and the entire region is essentially
under undeclared martial law.
I urge the Chinese leadership to heed the cries of the
Tibetan protestors and those who have committed self-immolation.
You will never address the genuine grievances of Tibetans and
restore stability in Tibet through violence and killing. The
only way to resolve the Tibet issue and bring about lasting
peace is by respecting the rights of the Tibetan people and
through dialogue. As someone deeply committed to peaceful
dialogue, the use of violence against Tibetans is unacceptable
and must be strongly condemned by all people in China and around
the world.
I call on the international community to show solidarity and
to raise your voices in support of the fundamental rights of the
Tibetan people at this critical time. I request that the
international community and the United Nations send a
fact-finding delegation to Tibet and that the world media be
given access to the region as well. The leaders in Beijing must
know that killing its own “family members” is in clear violation
of international and Chinese laws, and such actions will cast
further doubts on China’s moral legitimacy and their standing in
world affairs.
I want to tell my dear brothers and sisters inside Tibet that
we hear your cries loud and clear. We urge you not to despair
and refrain from extreme measures. We feel your pain and will
not allow the sacrifices you have made go in vain. You all are
in our heart and prayers each and every day.
To my fellow Tibetans, I request you not to celebrate Losar (Tibetan
New Year), which falls on February 22 this year. However, please
observe the basic customary religious rituals such as burning
incense, going to temple and making traditional offerings.
To demonstrate our solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet, I urge
Tibetans and our friends around the world, to participate in a
worldwide vigil on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Let’s send a
loud and clear message to the Chinese government that violence
and killing of innocent Tibetans is unacceptable! I request
everyone to conduct these vigils peacefully, in accordance with
the laws of your country, and with dignity.
A video message of this statement is available with the
following link: www.tibetonline.tv.
Dharamsala (India) - 14 January 2012
Tibetans protest Chinese Police’s refusal to release body of
Self-Immolator - One Civilian shot dead
According to latest reports from Tibet, another Tibetan
self-immolated on January 14, 2012 in Ngaba county (Sichuan).
The body of the self-immolator was taken away by the local
police. Approximately 700 individuals from the local community
surrounded the police station demanding that the body be
released. Following the refusal of the police to do so, a
confrontation ensued and an elderly Tibetan woman was reportedly
shot dead by the police.
The Central Tibetan Administration condemns the use of
violence against civilians and appeals the international
community to intervene so as to restrain the Chinese government
from further use of violence. Furthermore, it requests the
international community, the United Nations, and liberal Chinese
intellectuals to send observers to assess the current ground
reality.
The People’s Republic of China’s government must take full
responsibility for these cases of self-immolation. It is within
its power to end these unfortunate incidents by adopting liberal
policies for Tibet and Tibetan people.
Self-immolator Prompts Candle Light Vigil by 2000 Nomads in
Tibet
According yesterday's reports from Tibet, on 8 January around
5 AM, Sonam Wangyal, a venerated spiritual figure, in Darlag
county of Golok in Qinghai set himself on fire and succumbed to
his injuries. Sonam Wangyal, a man in his forties, is said to
have self immolated to protest the lack of religious freedom in
his homeland. Due to his position as a local spiritual leader
approximately 2,000 local Tibetans are said to have held a
candlelight vigil urging the local police authorities to release
his body. The local police averted further tension by agreeing
to do so.
The Central Tibetan Administration will provide updates on
the situation as more details become available. Meanwhile, the
Chinese state news organ, Xinhua, confirmed the self-immolation
by two Tibetans, of which one died, on 6 January in the vicinity
of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, Sichuan.
In the last twelve months there have now been 15 cases of
self- immolation in Tibet. All those who set themselves in fire
have demanded the restoration of freedom in Tibet and the return
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland.
Dharamsala (India) - 19
December 2011
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Offers His
Condolences at the Passing Away of President Václav Havel
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and President
Vaclav Havel in Prague on 10 December 2011
Dharamsala, HP, India, 18 December 2011 - His
Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his deep sadness at learning
of the passing away of his dear friend President Václav Havel.
In a letter to his wife Mrs. Dagmar Havlova, His Holiness wrote
that in his death, the world has lost a great statesman whose
steadfast and unflinching determination played a key role in
bringing freedom and democracy to the then Czechoslovakia. He
was an unassuming and a courageous leader whom His Holiness
personally had the greatest admiration and respect and will miss
him.
His Holiness recalled that he had the privilege
of meeting President Václav Havel in February 1990 – months
after he became President following the Velvet Revolution, which
he led with an extraordinary display of people power. Over the
ensuing two decades he had the opportunity to meet with him
regularly, most recently in Prague on 10 December 2011. His
Holiness concluded by offering his heartfelt condolences to Mrs.
Dagmar Havlova and other members of their family and those who
were closely associated with him.
He stated that perhaps the best tribute we could
honour and remember President Václav Havel is to work as best we
can towards building a more peaceful, open and just world.
Prague (Czech Republic)
- 12 December 2011
Open, free and democratic China is of great importance for
Asia
“A more open, free and democratic China is of great
importance for Asia and the world as a whole”, said the Prague
Declaration signed by the six speakers of the Democracy and
Human Rights in Asia: One Year after an Empty Chair in Oslo
yesterday.
“China needs human rights, democracy and the rule of law
because these values are the foundation of a free and dynamic
society. They are also the source of true unity and stability.
It is clear and obvious that many Chinese have been carrying on
a life and death struggle for democracy in China,” said the
signatories.
The Declaration was signed by former President Havel, His
Holiness the Dalai Lama, Former French Foreign Minister Bernard
Kouchner, Nobel Laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Mr. Stéphane Hessel,
Co-drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Dr.
Jianli Yang Dissident, of Initiatives for China based in Boston,
USA.
They called for international efforts to promote awareness
and improve progress in human rights across the globe. The
Declaration affirms that all human beings have the right to
freedom from want and freedom from fear. These rights are
indivisible and universal.
With this spirit they said, we have come together to mark the
first anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to
Liu Xiaobo, who – together with many other prisoners of
conscience – remains imprisoned by the Chinese authorities.
The declarations said expressions of concern, support and
solidarity are of immense importance in sustaining and
strengthening the spirit and hope of the people who are engaged
in the struggle for human rights and democracy even at the risk
of imprisonment and endangering their own lives. It is these
people who represent the forces that ultimately will achieve
freedom, democracy and human rights.
During the meeting with the media today in Prague, His
Holiness the Dalai Lama said that it was his moral
responsibility to promote human rights and freedom.
His Holiness spoke about his first two commitments in life –
inner value and religious harmony. Speaking on religious harmony,
he unity and harmony amongst all religion was important. He
called on the media to play a greater role in promoting
religious harmony and inner value. People must get more
information that would lead to greater awareness.
In response to a question about dialogue between the Chinese
and the Tibetans, His Holiness said that the Chinese say that
there is no Tibetan issue but the issue of the Dalai Lama.
However, he emphasized that the issue is not about the Dalai
Lama but the future of six million Tibetans.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the Tibetan people in Tibet
are our boss. “We are their free spokesperson. They have no
freedom to express themselves so we have to act on their
behalf,” he said.
Peoples’ Republic of China he said, belongs to the Chinese
people. The 1.3 Billion people of China are the real rulers of
China. They have every right to know the reality and judge what
is right and wrong. Censorship of the media is wrong,
Recently, he said he received a letter from a Chinese
individual who had met a Tibetan on a pilgrimage in China. The
Chinese individual had told the Tibetan that the Dalai Lama was
a good Buddhist but a splitist.
However, when the Tibetan explained the Tibetan issue, the
Chinese individual wrote that he fully supports the Middle Way
Approach which does not seek separation from China but calls for
genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people. The writer said that if
all Chinese citizens knew about the Middle Way Approach, 100
percent of the Chinese would support the Dalai Lama.
Prague (Czech Republic)
- 11 December 2011
Czech Foreign Minister calls on His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Czech Foreign Minister Mr. Karel Schwarzenberg called on
His Holiness the Dalai Lama this evening at his hotel in Prague.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that the Tibetan spirit
especially among the younger generation in Tibet was extremely
strong. He called on governments and parliaments to send fact
finding missions to Tibet to find out the actual situation in
there.
He expressed his deep concern about Tibet’s environment.
Environment is not a political issue he said. Tibet’s
environment is important for China as many rivers that start in
Tibet flow through China.
He said international environmental experts including from
China should investigate what damages has been done and what can
be done to prevent further damage.
Earlier in the morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed
the roundtable conference on Democracy and Human Rights in Asia:
One Year After an Empty Chair in Oslo at Charles University in
Prague.
Former President Havel who couldn’t attend the conference due
to ill health said in his message that we are entering a rather
dangerous period where human rights and civic freedoms were
being sacrificed for material growth.
“Human rights issues faced with ever growing economic might
of a country like China are being trivialized and economic
interests are being deliberately separated from those dealing
with basic freedoms. And this is very dangerous, not only
because solidarity with those pursuing freedom in different
parts of the world is fading but also for Euro-Atlantic area
whose original identity is thus being lost,” said President
Havel.
“We felt very intensely how important aid from abroad was for
us, as well as the support and solidarity of people from various
corners of the world who took interest in out activities,” he
said.
“It was a great encouragement when we saw that there are many
people –often from very far away – who feel a similar
responsibility for the world as we felt. We have been attempting
now, for more than twenty years already, to return that
solidarity that we received and to express support to all those
who are fighting for human rights and basic freedoms in Asia and
elsewhere. For people like Liu Xiabo and the likes of him all
over the world,” the message said.
In his address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that the 7
billion people share one home and the survival of this planet
depends on us. We have to think about others’ wellbeing.
The Tibetan leader praised India for its democratic
principles and said there is accountability of governance.
China he said, with its recent economic developments have
great potential to make constructive contribution on the global
stage. However, he expressed concern about the present system of
government.
He said China needs respect from rest of the world. Respect
comes from trust, trust needs transparency. This he said was
lacking in China. The Tibetan spiritual leader said China needs
political reform. The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao had also called
for such reforms in China.
His Holiness expressed his concern about the growing gap
between the rich and the poor, as well as the high level of
corruption.
Mr. Bernard Kouchner (Photo below), former French Foreign
Minister said that China is economically doing well but at the
same time, there are lots of people imprisoned. Arab Spring has
worried the Chinese leadership, as they fear it will come to
them.
Dr. Jianli Yang, President and Founder of the Initiatives for
China based in Boston said that China is afraid of Liu Xiaobo, a
key author of Charter 08. The Charter 08 called for democratic
changes in China. Over 350 Chinese intellectuals and human
rights activists signed the charter.
The conference commemorated the first anniversary of Nobel
Peace Prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and focused on the
current state of democracy and human rights in Asia.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was invited to the Czech Republic
by former Czech president Vaclav Havel and Forum2000 who
organised the conference.
Nobel Laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi (below: center) and Mr.
Stéphane Hessel (below: left), Co-drafter of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights also spoke at the conference.
In the afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke about his
three commitments in life during the public talk on Searching
for Happiness in a Troubled World at the Prague Congress Centre.
He said he has always tried to promote secular ethnics which
he said must be promoted through education starting from
kindergarten.
Ultimate source of happiness is within ourselves. A calm mind
and concern for others welfare will help towards happiness.
Compassion he said, is not about having pity for others, but
sense of respect for others.
