Hillary Clinton Responds to Tibetan Unrest

[bigtree]

At least 100 killed in Tibet unrest



Saturday, March 15, 2008 (New Delhi)

Unconfirmed sources claim that at least 100 people have been killed in Tibet where the situation continues to spiral out of control after the Chinese crackdown on Tibetan protestors on the 49th anniversary of their uprising against Chinese rule.

Lhasa's still burning despite the curfew imposed by the Chinese government after Friday's crackdown by the Chinese police on Tibetans demanding that the Beijing Olympic Games be cancelled.

The Chinese government does not want to appear weak by not reacting to the protests. Beijing has now given the Tibetan protesters till Monday to surrender.

Now China is worried that its plan to carry the Olympic torch over Mt Everest and into Tibet may be affected by the protests. This may draw the world's attention to Tibet and away from the Olympic games.

The Tibetan anger has now spilled over to the streets across the world. Protestors tried to break into the Chinese consulate building in Sydney, who were eventually stopped by the local police.

Tibetan protestors also attacked the Chinese consulate in New York.



Tibetans join in a candlelit vigil attended by more than 1500 people in Dharmsala, India, Friday, March 14, 2008. The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader as well as the head of Tibet's government-in-exile, which is based in the north Indian hill town of Dharmsala, said in a statement that he was 'deeply concerned over the situation that has been developing in Tibet following peaceful protests.



Statement from Senator Hillary Clinton

"I am deeply concerned about the violent clashes that have erupted in Lhasa, Tibet. Based on the limited information available, there is an urgent need for all parties, and in particular the Chinese security forces, to exercise restraint, to demonstrate respect for human rights and to protect civilians from danger. I call on the Chinese government to prevent further escalation of this conflict and to urgently pursue resolution through peaceful means.

"I co-sponsored the Fourteenth Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal Act and co-sponsored the Tibetan Policy Act of 2001, supporting a dialogue between the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama. I have personally met with the Dalai Lama. I asked President Jiang Zemin to explain China's repression of the Tibetans and their religion during his 1997 state visit to the United States. More than 10 years later, Chinese repression in Tibet continues. This week, Tibetan monks have sent a message to the world that their aspirations for religious liberty remain as strong as ever.

"Upholding freedom and human rights in Tibet will happen through negotiation, and with a commitment on all sides to seeking constructive solutions for the benefit, above all, of the Tibetan people."

[tekisui]

1. A very fine statement.

Thank you Sen. Clinton, and thanks for posting bigtree. I hope this violent suppression gets proper attention. I also hope that those persecuted by Chinese rule, will find strength in the attention received.

[libbygurl]

2. Excellent statement from a real leader. Thanks for this, bigtree! nt

[golddigger]

3. Damn she will make a great President! Thanks for posting this bigtree.