Text: Tibetan Solidarity Movement Photo: Action Press/PM Virot
Since China’s military invasion of Tibet in 1950, some 1.2 million Tibetans have suffered unatural death.
International response to the pressing conditions in Tibet The United States State Department spokesperson, Mark Toner on 17 October expressed serious concern about the self-immolations, a string of nine by Buddhists since March that had set off protests and a government crackdown. “We urge China and its leaders to respect the rights of Tibetans, to address some of the policies in these Tibetan areas that have created tension and to protect the Tibetans’ unique religious culture and linguistic identity,” Toner said. Australian Green Party leader Senator Bob Brown gave a press conference on 21 October in Hobart, calling on the Australian government and world leaders to speak up for the Tibetans. The German government on 21 October made an appeal to China to change its policy in Tibet to reduce tensions.
The speaker of the German foreign ministry, Mr Andreas Peschke said the federal government was appalled at the rising number of self-immolations in the Tibetan regions of Southwest-China. The Foreign office urged China on Friday to shape their policies in a way that existing tensions are relieved. Speaker Andrea said the federal government was in permanent contact on different levels and had repeatedly urged China to allow for transparency access to the monastery.
