[E-rundbrief] Info 1089 - Chinese Dialog with Tibet - Nobel Peace Laureates

[Matthias Reichl]

E-Rundbrief - Info 1089 - 12 Nobel Peace Laureates to China: Open 
dialogue with Tibet.

Bad Ischl, 4.4.2012

Begegnungszentrum für aktive Gewaltlosigkeit

www.begegnungszentrum.at

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12 Nobel Peace Laureates to China: Open dialogue with Tibet

A group of 12 Nobel Peace Laureates – including Archbishop Desmond 
Tutu, Jody Williams, Lech Walesa, Leymah Gbowee and Shirin Ebadi – 
today released an open letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao. The 
letter is a response to the recent spate of self-immolations within 
the Tibetan community and urges Jintao to resolve the ongoing conflict.

In the past year alone, over 30 Tibetans, including 5 women, have lost 
their lives to self-immolation, part of peaceful protest against 
Chinese rule of Tibet. The most recent incident occurred during 
President Jintao’s official visit to India, home to thousands of 
Tibetans living in exile including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In the release, the Nobel Peace Laureates call on the Chinese leader 
to open “meaningful dialogue” with his Holiness the Dalai Lama and 
other Tibetan leaders, and “respect the dignity of the Tibetan people” 
by finding a nonviolent solution to the conflict. China has ruled 
Tibet for over six decades and placed strict sanctions on the practice 
of religion and culture in Tibet.

As a result of the recent self-burnings and rising tensions, the 
Chinese government has increased militarization in Tibet and curtailed 
the already limited religious freedom of Buddhist monks.

Take Action: Join the Laureates in speaking out - Stand Up for Tibet here.

Click here to track media coverage of the letter as it appears.

The letter:

President Hu Jintao,
The People’s Republic of China
Bejiing, China

Dear Mr. President:

The people of Tibet wish to be heard. They have long sought meaningful 
autonomy, and chosen negotiation and friendly help as their means of 
attaining it. They now turn to protest. The international community is 
concerned by the drastic expressions of resentment by the people of 
Tibet through self-immolation. The Chinese government should hear 
their voices, understand their grievances and find a nonviolent solution.

That solution is offered by our friend and brother His Holiness the 
Dalai Lama, who has never sought separatism, and has always chosen a 
peaceful path. We strongly urge the Chinese government to seize the 
opportunity he provides for a meaningful dialogue. Once formed, this 
channel should remain open, active and productive. It should address 
issues that are at the heart of the current tension, respecting the 
dignity of the Tibetan people and the integrity of China.

Specifically, we are respectfully requesting that the Chinese 
government release all those who have been arbitrarily detained; cease 
the intimidation, harassment and detention of peaceful protestors; 
allow unrestricted access for journalists, foreign diplomats, and 
international organizations to Tibet; and respect religious freedom.

It is especially important to understand that the international 
community will be reassured if your government would allow members of 
the press and United Nations Human Rights investigators full access 
within Tibet. Without that access, progress is unlikely and an 
opportunity may be lost.

Sincerely,

Desmond Tutu
Jody Williams
Leymah Gbowee
Lech Walesa
Shirin Ebadi
Rigoberta Menchú Tum
José Ramos Horta
Adolfo Pérez Esquivel
Mairead Corrigan Maguire
Jon Hume
Betty Williams
Carlos Belo

Transmitted by: www.nobelwomensinitiative.org

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Matthias Reichl, Pressesprecher/ press speaker,
Begegnungszentrum fuer aktive Gewaltlosigkeit
Center for Encounter and active Non-Violence
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fon: +43 6132 24590, Informationen/ informations,
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