Wednesday 19 February 2014

Wanted - China's Collapse


Last Tuesday evening Spanish MPs supported a Bill intended to appease China and shut down the Tibet lawsuit. This is disappointing, though not unexpected. It's been said that "Perhaps we should all pause to appreciate how truly momentous these Tibet lawsuits are: Arrest warrants have been issued for Jiang Zemin, Li Peng and others; Hu Jintao stands indicted as a genocidaire and an impartial court has found that acts of genocide have been committed in Tibet. Whatever happens now, these Tibet cases have already made history. No political act can erase these impartial judicial decisions. So truth has already had its victory."
The victory may be closer than you think after reading Robert Peston's article on the BBC today see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26225205 for details. He says that China has gone on a spending boom and borrowed lots of money to do it but there are still millions of poor people in China yet the Chinese rich are getting richer. It's a familiar story and we all know how it ends... BADLY. There will be a crash and a reckoning that will split China. I'll give it 5 years.
When this happens these the Chinese people will want to get rid of their old guard leaders who have squirrelled money away in the west to they will be at large. The following posters may therefore become useful as a way of tracking them down. Print off and distribute.

   





see you at Cafe Momo on Sunday 23 February @ Church House Corsham.
Did you see the delivery bike in Corsham High Street?

Sunday 16 February 2014

2014's first Tibetan self immolator dead, cremated without family's consent

Phayul[Saturday, February 15, 2014 23:50]
DHARAMSHALA, February 15: The Tibetan youth who set himself ablaze in Tibet's Tsekhok County on Feb. 5 has succumbed to his burns at a hospital in Xiling a day later, exile sources said. 

Phagmo Samdup, 27, who became the first Tibetan to resort to self immolation protest in 2014, was cremated by Chinese authorities at an undisclosed cremation site without informing his family, according to sources. 

Doused in gasoline, Samdup set himself on fire near Bhenchen School in Dokarmo town around 9.30 PM (local time) on February 5. Chinese police took him away immediately. 

Chinese authorities also forced his family to throw his remains in Machu River, a Tibetan source said, adding that they even confiscated a golden ring belonging to the deceased. 

Since 2009, 127 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet to protest against China’s occupation of Tibet and its hard-line policies.

Tibetan exiles remember Tibet - China Treaty

Phayul[Thursday, February 13, 2014 21:43]

DHARAMSHALA, February 13: Tibetan exiles here gathered today at the TCV Day school to commemorate what the organizers, Students for a Free Tibet, called ‘Tibet-China Peace Treaty of 821-822 AD - secure the past, shape the future'. The organizers have chosen today's date to mark 101 years since the proclamation of Tibetan independence by the thirteenth Dalai Lama.

A 7-feet tall replica of the stone pillar with the engraving of the Treaty which till stands in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, was put on display for public viewing. Copies of the treaties were also distributed.

A discussion on the “Great Legacies of the Tibetan Empire’ and ‘Tibet-China Peace Treaty’ was participated by Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Member of Tibetan Parliament; Sonam Gyaltsen, Member of Tibetan Parliament and Dorjee Tseten, Asia Director of Students for a Free Tibet.

The Tibet-China Peace Treaty was signed between the Tibetan emperor, Tri Ralpachen and Chinese Emperor, Mu Tsung of the Tang Dynasty to establish peace and constitute the boundaries of Tibet and China.

The treaty that referred to Tibet and China as 'Nephew and Uncle' reads, “And in order that this agreement establishing a great era when Tibetans shall be happy in Tibet and Chinese shall be happy in China shall never be changed, the three jewels, the body of saints, the sun and moon, planets and stars have been invoked as witnesses; its purport has been expounded in solemn words, the oath has been sworn with the sacrifice of animals, and the agreement has been solemnized.”

SFT's Asia Director Dorjee Tseten said his organization is celebrating the legacy of the Tibetan Empire to challenge China’s false propaganda about Tibetan history as well as to strengthen the case for Tibet on the global stage. “In commemorating the historical legacy of the Tibetan Empire, we are not only securing our past but also shaping our future as we work towards fulfilling our vision of all Tibetans uniting in a free and democratic Tibet.”

Similar campaigns were also held in 20 cities around the world, said Dorjee.

Ngaba tense after 127th self immolation in Tibet

Phayul[Friday, February 14, 2014 22:23]
Lobsang Dorjee engulfed in flames/Feb. 13, 2014/photo provided by source
Lobsang Dorjee engulfed in flames/Feb. 13, 2014/photo provided by source
DHARAMSHALA, February 14: A 25 year old Tibetan youth set himself on fire on Thursday in Tibet's Ngaba region to protest China's hard-line policies in Tibet, said Kanyag Tsering, an exiled Tibetan monk with close contacts in the region.

Lobsang Dorjee, former monk of Kirti monastery doused himself in gasoline near Kirti monastery around 6.30 PM (local time). Chinese police arrived at the site and took him away, Kanyag added citing his source. 

“Chinese policemen arrived at the site, extinguished the fire on his body and took him away in a van. He held his head high with both hands folded,” said Tsering. It is not known if Lobsang, 127th Tibetan to immolate self, has succumbed to his burns. 

Lobsang is second eldest among his four siblings. His parents had been separated a few years ago. He lived in Golok with his mother and younger brother. He ran a car wash facility in Golog before moving back to Ngaba to live with his father in Chuklay Ghongma village in Ngaba. He was seen at the Kirti monastery's great prayer festival (Monlam Chenmo) recently. 

Following the incident, most entry and exit points to the town have been manned with check-posts with Tibetans being frisked and stopped for questioning.

Avaaz launches petition urging Xi to have tea with Dalai Lama

Phayul[Tuesday, February 11, 2014 17:13]

DHARAMSHALA, February 11: The online advocacy group, Avaaz has launched a signature campaign, “Xi Jinping, President of China have a tea with Tenzin Gyatso the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet”. The petition targeting 2000 signatures was created by Robert T from United Stated of America. The text of the petition reads, “it will benefit China—Han, Tibetans, and all minorities to break the cycle of resentment and repression left over from past inept policies.”

“Actions flowing from such a heart-to-heart meeting will benefit you personally, China's social harmony, relations with rest of Asia and whole world, the environment, and the millions of us worldwide who want you to be the historic Great Fifth President of China, who brings your great nation into harmony with itself and the global community.”

The petition so far has been signed by 1755 people and will be delivered to the Chinese president.

Last year, Avaaz launched another major signature petition “Is this Tibet’s Big Chance” urging the United Nation member states not to elect China into the Human Rights Council. It collected more than a million signatures.

Thursday 6 February 2014

Urge the Spanish Government to Stand Up for Tibet

Urge the Spanish Government to Stand Up for Tibet

Reports state that Spain's government are planning to change the independent judiciary of Spain, in a political move to close down a ground-breaking Tibet lawsuit that implicates Chinese leaders of genocide in Tibet. Take Action now to urge Spain's Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, and other EU leaders to Stand Up for Tibet against China's pressure and retain the independence of judicial systems from political interference.


 
To: Mariano Rajoy, Prime Minister of Spain
cc Leaders of European Union Member States
I am deeply concerned to learn that the Spanish government is planning to limit the independence of Spain's judiciary, in a move that could lead to a ground-breaking Tibet lawsuit, which implicates Chinese leaders, being shut down.
I am aware that China has reacted angrily to the indictment of Chinese former President and Party Secretary Hu Jintao for genocide and other grave crimes in Tibet, and the orders that warrants of arrest be issued against five Chinese leaders, including another former President and Party Secretary, Jiang Zemin. However, I urge you not to make any attempt to override Spain's universal duty to prevent and punish the most egregious human rights violations in Tibet, as offenses against all humanity.
I appeal to you to adhere to the democratic principles upon which Spain and the rest of the European Union is founded and stand fast in support of judicial independence from political interference.
I urge the whole of the European Union to Stand Up for Tibet; to stand with Spain in resisting China's unacceptable pressure against an impartial criminal investigation, and to support the internationally recognized human rights standards that these Tibet lawsuits are investigating. Such cases should be based on the strength of evidence and a commitment to serving justice, not the political power of the perpetrator.
It is an affront to Spain's judicial sovereignty, to the victims, and to universal principles of human rights that the Spanish government is considering surrendering to Beijing's political pressure.

see http://standupfortibet.org/spanish-lawsuit/

New Comments on the FCO website

There is a new comment on the post "Country updates: China".

http://www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk/human-rights-in-countries-of-concern/china/quarterly-updates-china/

Author: FCO Digital
Comment:
We remain very concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet, in particular with respect to the protection of cultural rights and religious freedoms. We raise these issues regularly with the Chinese authorities, as we did during the Universal Periodic Review of China’s human rights record at the UN on 22 October 2013.

Our position on Tibet remains unchanged since the previous Government. We recognise Tibet as part of China and do not support Tibetan independence. We believe long term stability in Tibet will be best achieved through respect for the universal human rights of Tibetans and genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese constitution. Meaningful dialogue is the best way to address and resolve the underlying grievances of the Tibetan communities and we continue to urge all sides to restart talks.

We aim to strike a balance between taking a clear position on Tibet, and sustaining broad-based engagement with the Chinese government. A strong and mature relationship is one where no concern is off limits, but we talk about our differences with honesty and mutual respect, sometimes in public, sometimes in private. It is only through engaging China that we can help bring about positive change to human rights, including for Tibetan communities.

In Response
Author: paul barasi

Comment:
RESPONSE ON TIBET

“We remain very concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet”
What concern then has FCO shown for Driru where human rights for Tibetans under Chinese misrule have fallen to absolute zero? Why does Driru receive zero priority in FCO?
How many FCO tweets have there been on Syria in 2014 and how many on Tibet?
FCO policy is to learn the lessons of the holocaust yet FCO’s reply shows that the department denies the 1.2m Tibetan genocide by China and continuing atrocities.

“Universal Periodic Review of China’s human rights record at the UN”
Why does FCO cite this process when it was a farcical sham in which almost every nation praised China’s human rights?

“Our position on Tibet remains unchanged since the previous Government … We recognise Tibet as part of China and do not support Tibetan independence”
FCO continues to ignore that this policy was explicitly predicated on human rights improving and refuses to say why the Department will not undertake a policy review. We The British People are denied a democratic choice over British foreign policy on Tibet by the main parties, which all collude with China against Tibetans having the same right of self-determination that FCO recognises for the other peoples of the world. FCO can supply no information justifying why this policy is consistent, just or effective because it is none of those things.

“Sustaining broad-based engagement with the Chinese government”
FCO has been unable to produce an impact assessment of its Tibet policy or on its engagement with China about Tibet, list any achievements, provide any evidence of positive outcomes or demonstrate any productive change. This is because the policy and engagement are fruitless failures, a smokescreen for silent complicity in violations perpetrated daily by our Government's favourite trade partners, undermining British integrity, credibility and commitment to human rights.




Author: FCO Digital
Comment:


We are very concerned about restrictions on the right to freedom of religion and belief, and about reports of torture and mistreatment of detainees in China, including Falun Gong practitioners. We raise these issues regularly with the Chinese authorities, as we did during the Universal Periodic Review of China’s human rights record at the UN on 22 October 2013. During his recent visit to China, as well as raising concerns over human rights, the Prime Minister agreed with Premier Li that the next round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue would take place in early 2014.

The Chinese government has repeatedly denied that state authorities carry out forced organ removal. We are aware that organs removed from executed prisoners are used for human transplantation purposes in China. In March 2012, the Chinese government announced it would phase out the use of organs from executed prisoners for transplant within the next five years and would create a national organ donation system. We will continue to encourage China to make further progress in this respect, including by technical cooperation where appropriate.

On the international stage, the UK strongly supports the Declaration of Istanbul, which encourages all countries to draw up proper frameworks to govern organ donation and transplantation activities. We have helped to develop the World Health Organisation Guiding Principles, to ensure that human material removed from deceased and living donors for the purpose of transplantation only takes place according to agreed principles. We are also working with international partners to agree a new draft Convention against Trafficking.

In the UK, we make constant efforts to ensure that any British citizen who needs replacement organs can do so in the UK. Indeed, the Department of Health advise that there has been a 50% improvement in donor rates in the UK since 2007/08, with donor numbers increasing consistently. However, it is not possible to prevent UK citizens travelling to less well-regulated countries to seek an organ transplant, although UK physicians always advise patients against doing so. Although numbers are not known, it is thought very few patients in the UK choose to do so.

Response
Author: Paul Barasi
Comment:
CHINA - ORGAN HAVESTING

"The use of organs from executed prisoners" - this is a deliberate lie, for FCO has the evidence. Organs are taken from live prisoners. This is state murder. It has only been raised s couple of times in the UK Parliament when Ministers gave China's official line. That FCO is willing to act as a mouth piece for a foreign regime that commits this crime is unacceptable.

Our position must be:

(1) Refusal to accept China's organ harvesting is the opportunistic removal of organs from dead executed prisoners, and public condemnation of the state murder by organ removal of live prisoners, most of whom have been targeted for religious and political reasons and some not even ever having been sentenced by any law court.

(2) China must be told to stop organ harvesting immediately, rather than phasing it out or lapsing into denial that it has and is still happening.

(3) FCO, with the Department of Heath, must check and then reassure the British People that organs forcibly removed in China have not been used in Britain and it must be made illegal to do so in Britain or for a British citizen to receive one abroad – a step other countries have taken.

(4) The Chinese government must be reminded of the requirements of the rule of law and be asked to ensure that those who have perpetrated organ harvesting and also those who have profited from the sale of forcibly harvested organs are brought to justice.

(5) UK representatives in international forums (such as UN Human Rights Council, EU) must be vociferous in representing this position whenever China's organ harvesting is being or can be raised and discussed.


See all comments on this post here:

http://www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk/human-rights-in-countries-of-concern/china/quarterly-updates-china/#comments