Press Release
March 14, 2008
Contact: Giovanni Vassallo (415)-264-3264
UNPRECEDENTED UNREST IN TIBET: CHINESE TROOPS RESPOND WITH BRUTE FORCE
The Committee of 100 for Tibet expresses its support for the peaceful Tibetan protestors in Tibet and condemns the Chinese Government’s use of unwarranted force against them. We are very concerned about the safety and welfare of all those involved in the demonstrations and protests in Tibet.
Tibetans today are taking part in the biggest peaceful protests in decades in all three Tibetan provinces of Amdo, Kham, and U-Tsang. Their sincere and courageous efforts deeply inspire us and are a reminder of the urgency to move towards a resolution of the Tibet issue in this year of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The non-violent actions of Tibetan Buddhist monks, people in Tibet, and Tibetans in exile give us humble resolve and strength to continue to advance the legitimate rights of the Tibetan people. We encourage the public to join us in supporting the Tibetan people and to inform the media and others about the plight of Tibetans living under the oppressive Chinese Government rule in Tibet.
We express our solidarity with the Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet who have repeatedly demonstrated for over fifty-eight years for freedom and justice in their China-occupied homeland. We are wholeheartedly committed to the bright morning when Tibetans in Tibet can determine their own future. As Speaker Nancy Pelosi has stated, "self-determination for Tibetans must be a priority in the U.S.-China relationship."
We call on all Tibetans and supporters to contact their US Congressional Representative or other government official to urge their help in convincing the Chinese government to restrain their use of force in Tibet. U.S. residents are encouraged to call (202) 224-3121 to reach the US Capital operator to contact your representative and register your concern.
“We sincerely hope for peace in Tibet and call upon the Chinese government to show restraint and to begin earnest negotiations immediately with His Holiness the Dalai Lama or His representatives,” said Tenzin Namgyal Tethong, Chairman of the Committee of 100 for Tibet.
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