Dalai Lama concerned over crackdowns in Tibet and Syria/ENG

2012. március 6./Tibet Sun/TibetPress

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama expressed concern over violent crackdowns in Tibet and Syria, as reports of atrocities and human rights violations in these two countries are reported on a daily basis.

He said he is saddened by the violence and discord everywhere in the world today, and that he is particularly concerned about the situations in Tibet and Syria.

“People are suffering in Tibet and Syria from violence, forcing many people into dire situations,” he said, during the Great Prayer Festival that is observed for a few days after Losar, the Tibetan New Year.

Protests within Tibet have been crushed by military force. Five Tibetans are believed to have been killed in peaceful protests in the eastern Tibetan areas of Ngaba (Chinese: Aba) and Kardze in Sichuan in January.

Tibetans in Tibet are increasingly turning to self-immolations to express their frustration and helplessness. As many as 25 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in the last one year in protest against repressive Chinese rule. At least 18 have died, according to the exile Tibetans. Protesters have called for greater freedom in Tibet and for China to allow the Dalai Lama to return to his homeland.

In a press statement, the Central Tibetan Administration, also known as the Tibetan government-in-exile, urged the Chinese government to address the underlying causes which are driving Tibetans to set themselves on fire.

“We also appeal to governments and the international community to make urgent representations to the Chinese government to end the tragic cycle of self-immolation in Tibet by adopting liberal polices in Tibet,” said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration.

In Syria, killings and torture are reported daily. Reports coming out of Syria suggest President Bashar Assad’s troops are killing civilians in an attempt to wipe out dissidents.

Anti-regime demonstrations, now known as the 2011–2012 Syrian uprising, which began in January 2011, called for democracy in Syria and demanded the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad, the overthrow of his government, and an end to nearly five decades of Baath Party rule.

President Bashar al-Assad came to power in 2000 after three decades of rule by his father Hafez. He slowly opened up the economy, but his administration does not tolerate any dissent.
By Lobsang Wangyal