Sarkozy defies China with Dalai Lama talks
GDANSK, Poland - French President Nicolas Sarkozy defied China on Saturday by meeting the Dalai Lama and said Europe shared the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader's concerns over the situation in his homeland.
China called the meeting an "opportunistic, rash and short-sighted approach to handling the Tibet issue," despite Sarkozy saying he regarded Tibet as part of China and that there was no need to "dramatize" his encounter.
"The meeting went very well ... The Chinese authorities knew perfectly well this meeting would take place before the end of the year," Sarkozy told reporters after his talks, which lasted about 30 minutes... Read more...
Sarkozy, Dalai Lama Meet in Poland, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has met with Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in the Polish city of Gdansk, in a move that has already angered China.
Mr. Sarkozy sought to play down the controversy ahead of Saturday's meeting, telling reporters that it must be approached calmly. The French leader, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, stressed that China and the EU have shared interests.
He said Europe needs China's participation in global affairs, while China needs European investment.
Mr. Sarkozy did not give a press conference after the meeting. The French News Agency quotes him as saying that the Dalai Lama had confirmed he is not seeking independence for Tibet.
Mr. Sarkozy is in Gdansk for an unrelated mini-summit of European leaders.. Read more...
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Addresses European Parliament
The Dalai Lama being welcomed to the European Parliament, 04 Dec 2008.
China warned France on Thursday that upcoming talks between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the Dalai Lama could affect trade ties between the two countries worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile the Dalai Lama spoke to the European Parliament.
It is not the first time Beijing expressed its disapproval of talks scheduled for Saturday in Poland between the Dalai Lama and President Sarkozy, who also holds the rotating European Union presidency. China previously called off an European Union summit that was to be held in France this week.
China opposes foreign leaders meeting with the Dalai Lama, arguing the Tibetan spiritual leader is seeking independence for his region. Read more...
Dalai Lama Satisfied with Tibetans' Preference to Continue with Autonomy Push. By Steve Herman New Delhi 24-11-2008
The Dalai Lama says he is pleased Tibetan leaders in exile have agreed to continue to pursue what is called the "middle way" of seeking greater autonomy for Tibet rather than independence from China. But the Tibetan spiritual leader told reporters Sunday it is premature to immediately decide that no further formal discussions should be held with the Chinese government. VOA Correspondent Steve Herman reports from Dharamsala, India. The Dalai Lama is warning of unspecified dangers if Tibetan political leaders in exile are not careful in their strategy towards China. The Tibetan spiritual leader spoke to followers in the Indian town of Dharamsala a day after the conclusion of an unprecedented six-day meeting of nearly 600 Tibetans leaders from around the world. The conference expressed a preference to continue the push for meaningful autonomy, rather than outright independence from China. But delegates also acknowledged the growing number of people inside Tibet and in the diaspora who prefer independence.

No Independence for Tibet, Doors for talks open, CHINA
Formar Minister Gyalo Dhondup, the Dalai Lama's 80-year-old elder brother told reporters Wednesday that he believed dialogue was the only way to achieve progress with China.
In my mind we should continue to plead our case to the Chinese. I have complete faith in China,'' said Thondup. He refuted a response from Zhu Weiqun, Vice-Minister of the Central United Front Work Department of Chinese Communist Party in China, that Deng Xiaoping has never made such a statement.
Zhu Weiqun, in an answer to a Japanese reporter’s question has said, “Comrade Deng Xiaoping had never made such a statement. It is a falsehood made by Gyari and is a complete distortion of Deng Xiaoping’s statement.”
“I am shocked to hear such a statement from the Chinese officials because it was myself to whom the late paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping, said, “except independence all other issues can be settled through discussions,” Mr Gyalo said while addressing a large gathering of national and international press reporters at the Kashag.He said: “Deng Xiaoping is no longer with us today. But to put the record straight I would like to clarify in front of international media that during my first visit to China in 1979 I met the paramount leader Deng Xiaoping on 12 March 1979. He told me “except independence all other issues can be settled through discussions.”
Gyalo Thondup reconfirms Deng Xiaoping’s offer on Tibet talks
Dharamsala, November 19: Gyalo Thondup, an elder brother of the Dalai Lama and a former Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala), Wednesday said he was shocked by China’s attempt to deny a statement made by former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1979 that “except for independence all other issues can be settled through discussions.”
Earlier this month, following the eighth round of talks with the representatives of the Dalai Lama, China refuted that any such statement was ever made by Deng Xiaoping.
Gyalo Thondup (L) and Juchen Thupten Namgyal at a press conference in Dharamsala, Wednesday, November 19, 2008
In response to a Japanese reporter's question whether Deng Xiaoping had stated in the late 70s that "except independence all other issues can be settled through discussions'' as repeatedly claimed by the Tibetan side, Mr. Zhu Weiqun, executive Vice-Minister of China’s Central United Front Work Department, which handles contacts envoys of the Dalai Lama, reportedly said it was not true. Read more...
The Special Meeting in Dharamsala!!!
Kunlenginvites Mr. Penpa Tsering, a senior member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and Mr. Buchung K. Tsering, Vice-President of the International Campaign for Tibet, to talk about the historic Special Meeting on the future of Tibet convened by the Dalai Lama.
Kunleng TV is simulcast on television via satellite, on shortwave radio, and via the Internet in real time. Tune in every Wednesday at 1400-1500 UTC, 10:00 pm-11:00 pm Lhasa time. From Tibet and China Call toll-free 108888 AT&T 866 837 5159 From elsewhere us at 1-202-619-3774 (Tell the operator to reverse the charges and we will pay for the call.) Or send your name and phone number in advance so we can contact you during the show. If you are not able to join us in person please send your questions to us via fax or E-mail to: tibetanTV@voanews.com or Fax: 1-202-382-5597 Watch Kunleng TV...

SPECIAL MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA FOR TIBETANS IN AND OUTSIDE TIBET
November 14, 2008
While sending my greetings to all Tibetans in and outside Tibet, there are a few important issues I would like to present to you.
Since I was very young, I realized that the transformation of our governance into a democratic system was of utmost importance for Tibet's immediate and long-term interest. Therefore, after taking responsibility as the spiritual and political leader of Tibet, I worked hard to establish such a democratic set-up in Tibet. Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve it under the harsh repression of the People's Republic of China. However, immediately after coming into exile, judicious reforms were introduced in the structure of our governance and a newly-elected parliament was constituted. Despite being in exile, the process of the democratization of the Tibetan community has made good headway. Today, the Tibetan community in exile has completely transformed into a modern democracy in the true sense of the word, having an administration with its own charter and a leadership elected by popular vote. We can be proud at this moment when the Tibetan people themselves are ready and able to take responsibility for Tibet. Read more...

China says meeting of Tibetan exiles will “Get Nowhere” China also warned India from allowing such separatist activities on its soil. Dharamsala, November 13: China said Thursday a meeting of Tibetan exiles in India next week would “get nowhere”, saying the participants did not represent the views of most Tibetans. China also warned India from allowing such separatist activities on its soil.
"The people planning or attending this meeting do not represent the majority of the Chinese people. Their separatist attempts will get nowhere," AFP reported Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang telling reporters in Beijing.
“The Chinese government is solemnly against any international activities aimed at splitting China,” Qin said in response to a question on Beijing's attitude toward the gathering at a regularly scheduled new conference.

No progress made at Tibet talks, China says On Monday Nov 10,2008Dharamsala, November 10: China said Monday that no progress was made at the recent talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, and blamed the exiled Tibetan leader as being responsible for the failure to make any progress.
China further accused the Dalai Lama of trying to seek a “legal basis" to claim "independence or semi-independence over Tibet”, and insisted it would never accept the Tibetan leader’s demands for greater autonomy for the occupied Himalayan region. "Our contacts and talks failed to make progress and they (the Dalai Lama's representatives) should assume full responsibility for it," AFP reported a Communist Party statement as saying on Monday. Read more...

China rejects 'semi-independence' for Tibet: state media AFP[Thursday, November 06, 2008 16:00]
Tibetan Envoy Lodi Gyari making a point during his meeting with Du Qinglin, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Minister of the Central United Front Work Department on July 1, 2008. To his right is Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen while to the left of Du Qinglin is Executive Vice Minister Zhu Weiqun of the Central United Front Work Department. (Photo – CTA/File)
BEIJING - A SENIOR Chinese official told envoys of the Dalai Lama during talks in Beijing this week that any type of independence for Tibet was not an option, even 'semi-independence", state media said on Thursday. 'Regardless of the time or the circumstances... Tibet independence is out of the question,' AFP reported Du Qinglin, a top Communist party official in charge of relations with non-communist groups, as saying in the Xinhua news agency report. 'Semi-independence is out of the question. Independence in disguise is out of the question,' Mr Du was quoted as telling the envoys 'recently'. Read more...http://www.phayul.com/

Tibetan leaders congratulate Obama’s historic victory
"I am encouraged that the American people have chosen a President who reflects America's diversity and her fundamental ideal that any person can rise up to the highest office in the land.” - His Holiness the Dalai Lama.Dharamsala, Nov 6: Exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Prime Minister Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche and Parliament Speaker Karma Chophel have sent letters to congratulate Barack Obama on his historic election win to the post of the president of the United States.
“This is a proud moment for America and one that will be celebrated by many peoples around the world, the 73-year old Tibetan leader wrote in his congratulatory letter.

China Hits Back at Dalai LamaDharamshala Nov. 4 – China today accused the Dalai Lama of playing tricks of ‘retirement’ and called “groundless” his disappointment. A commentary on Xinhua, the official news agency said the Tibetan leader’s statements on Sunday “confound black and white and disregards facts” and were made to gain “public attention and sympathy.”
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks to foreign correspondents in Tokyo, Japan on Nov. 3, 2008. He said his approach to China has failed, and he is open to new strategies to win greater autonomy for Tibet.
Xinhua added that the Dalai Lama's remarks came at a time when China's central government 'is to' arrange another round of contacts and negotiations with his private representatives. However, the Tibetan delegation headed by Lodi Gyari began talks this morning with Chinese representatives. Read more...

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Says Diplomacy with Beijing has Failed and also he speaks at a press conference in Tokyo Monday, 3, Nov.2008 that his faith in the Chinese government is becoming "thinner and thinner."
The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said his "middle way" approach to secure Tibetan autonomy from China has failed to bring a positive change in Tibet.
Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, says he is giving up on talks with China about autonomy, adding that his faith in the Chinese government is becoming "thinner and thinner." Speaking with reporters Monday in Tokyo, the Buddhist leader said he has to accept failure. He said he has no other alternative but to ask the Tibetan people what to do next.

Americans Vote in Presidential, Congressional ElectionAcross the United States, millions of Americans are voting for a new president and members of Congress. Before voting began, major preference polls showed Democrat Barack Obama with a significant national margin over Republican John McCain, both of whom criss-crossed the country, along with their vice presidential running mates, in a final push for more votes. Dan Robinson reports on this and Congressional races.
In the final hours of a hard-fought campaign - the longest and most expensive in American history - Obama and McCain addressed rallies in key states in the East, Midwest and West, attempting to solidify support and win over undecided and independent voters.

Expected Dalai Lama visit to France off - French Weekly
French first lady Carla Bruni with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visit to France in August,
Dharamshala November 2 - An expected visit to France by His Holiness the Dalai Lama next month, during which the French government said he would meet President Nicolas Sarkozy, will not take place, French weekly Journal du Dimanche said on Saturday."As of today, there is no visit to France planned for December and I am not planning to come during that period either," Mathieu Ricard, the Dalai Lama's French interpreter, told the newspaper in an article released ahead of publication.

Tibetan Envoys Leave for China!!!
New Delhi October 30 - The envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kasur Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen, left for the 8th round of talks with the representatives of the Chinese leadership. The delegation headed by Gyari also include three senior assistants.
A press release issued today did not give any details about the visit to Beijing. It said the Envoys will be in Beijing as a follow-up to the 7th round of talks held in July this year.The Tibetans will be in China for about a week.
The Envoys had their final briefing from Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, the exile Tibetan prime minister, in New Delhi.

Dalai Lama Outlines Clarifcation on The Upcoming Special Meeting
The Tibetan spiritual leader said he would now ask the Tibetan people to decide on how to take the dialogue forward....
The Dalai Lama advised the TCV and Department of Education to give more emphasis to produce more professionals. Apart from this, His Holiness outlined certain clarifications about the forthcoming General Meeting which takes place in Dharamsala in the midddle of next month. The Dalai Lama's appearance in public at the TCV function is his first after his treatment for a gallstone in a Delhi hospital.
China has repeatedly accused the Dalai Lama of leading a campaign to split Tibet from the rest of the country. The Dalai Lama has denied the allegations, saying he is only seeking greater autonomy for the Himalayan region to protect its unique Buddhist culture — a policy he calls the "middle way."
Jailed Chinese dissident and Tibet supporter wins top European human rights award on eve of Asia-Europe summit
International Campaign for Tibet October 23rd, 2008
Despite pressure from Beijing, European Parliamentarians have awarded imprisoned Chinese dissident Hu Jia the most important human rights award in the European Union, the Sakharov Prize. Hu Jia, who has spoken out in support of Tibet, was given the prize "on behalf of all silenced voices in China and Tibet", according to European Parliamentarians. The decision has angered China, which hosts the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) tomorrow in Beijing.
Vincent Metten, EU Policy Director of the International Campaign for Tibet in Brussels said: "We commend European Parliamentarians for awarding the Sakharov Prize to Hu Jia, Read more...

Dalai Lama Discharged From Hospital.....
An aide to the Dalai Lama says the Tibetan spiritual leader has been released from a hospital in and moved to Tibetan Children's Village Youth Hostel in New Delhi, nearly a week after being treated for gallstones.
The Dalai Lama's spokesman told reporters Thursday that the 73-year-old Buddhist leader had fully recovered and would resume his travel plans later this month.
"You have seen with your own eyes the His Holiness' condition. He is absolutely fine. After the successful gallstone removal surgery and taking rest at the hospital itself, today, His Holiness moved to the TCV Youth Hostel." says Secretary Chhime Rinzin Choekyapa.

Jigdrel Leaving Fear Behind (This is the Reality of Tibetans in Tibet!!!

Is a heroic film shot by Tibetans from inside Tibet, who longed to bring Tibetan voices to the Beijing Olympic Games. With the global spotlight on China as it rises to host the XXIX Olympics, Tibetans wish to tell the world of their plight and their heartfelt grievances against Chinese rule. The footage was smuggled out of Tibet under extraordinary circumstances. The filmmakers were detained soon after sending their tapes out, and remain in detention today.

Population Transfer: The Baltic States and the Tibetan Experience
The seminar notes with keen interest the experience of the Baltic States, and in particular Estonia, in meeting the challenges of population transfer both during, and subsequent to, their Soviet occupation.
Comparing the experiences of the Baltic States to the current situation in Chinese-occupied Tibet, the seminar recognized many commonalities in the threats to cultural, traditional, religious and national identity faced by the Baltic States and, today in Tibet respectively.
The seminar welcomed the contributions made by participants as well as members of the UNPO Presidency, which have broadened the discussion of population transfer while recommending the need for a comprehensive global assessment of the impact resulting from population transfer and implantation of settlers.. Read more...

Bush calls Dalai Lama, expresses health worries
September 23rd, 2008 President George W. Bush telephoned the Dalai Lama on Tuesday to express concerns about his health and express his "great esteem" for Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the White House said. "President Bush called the Dalai Lama this morning to express his concern over the Dalai Lama's health," said spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
"The president's call reflects the great esteem he and the American people hold for the Dalai Lama, who is a revered religious figure in Tibetan Buddhism, a Nobel laureate and a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, and an important cultural figure and human rights advocate," said Johndroe. Read more...

Statement from the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama...

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is back in Dharamshala after undergoing medical tests and treatment following some discomfort recently. The physicians have informed His Holiness that his general health condition is good but strongly advised him to curtail his travel schedule. In the immediate future the physicians have advised him to take good rest before resuming his schedule.
We are therefore canceling his proposed travel to Europe in October. His Holiness very much regrets the inconvenience this will cause to the organisers of his programs as well as to those who were looking forward to participating in them. We hope everyone will understand the situation. September 13,2008

Authorities admit that Chinese migration may have been factor in triggering unrest in Tibet; officials inspect construction of new police stations in monasteries as crackdown continues September 16th, 2008
Protesters demonstrate in Machu (Chinese: Maqu) county town in Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu (Amdo) on March 16, 2008. (Photo: ICT)

The authorities have made a rare admission that large-scale migration from China, particularly linked to the opening of the new railway from Qinghai to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in 2006, may have been a factor in triggering the unrest in Lhasa in March. Read more...

Tibet's most famous woman Woeser la,
Tibet's most famous woman writer & blogger was accused of taking photographs of military installations and arrested by police after she returned home briefly to Lhasa, the capital.The detention of Woeser, who, like many Tibetans, goes by a single name, underscores the nervousness of the authorities in the Himalayan city, where 22 people were killed and hundreds of offices and businesses were set alight when Tibetans, restive under Beijing rule, rioted in the streets in March. Eight police arrived at the home of Woeser's mother on Thursday and presented the writer with a summons to accompany them for questioning. Her husband, the author Wang Lixiong, said: "They had used the wrong name on the document so I insisted that they correct the name before they could take her away. I reminded them that they had to bring her home within the stipulated 12 hrs . Read more...

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Chinese dissident nominated for major human rights award by the European Parliament.ICT press release. September 12th, 2008.The Dalai Lama has been chosen of one of eight nominees for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded by the European Parliament to honour individuals or organizations who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights. Previous winners of the Prize, named after Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, include Aung San Suu Kyi and Nelson Mandela.. Read more...

Tibetan protesters without Nepalese papers face removal to India September 12th, 2008
The Tibetan Refugee Reception Center in Kathmandu, Nepal. (Photo: Jonathan Green) 137Tibetan protesters who were taken into custody by the Nepalese authorities on September 9, 10, and 11 have been handed over to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kathmandu with the understanding that those who do not hold valid papers will be sent to India. Thousands of Tibetans have participated in months of protests in Kathmandu, often near the Chinese Embassy, against China's crackdown in Tibet that followed a tidal wave of demonstrations across the Tibetan plateau this spring and summer. Beijing has urged the Nepal government to stop the demonstrations, claiming they are an irritant to China-Nepal relations... Read more...

Central Tibetan Administration Mourns the Demise of Taktser Rinpoche
Dharamshala: The Central Tibetan Administration mourns the demise of Taktser Rinpoche Thupten Jigme Norbu, former representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Japan and former abbot of Kumbum monastery in Amdo.
Taktser Rinpoche, who is the eldest brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, breathed his last at his home in Indiana in the United States, on Friday evening, 5 September, owing to prolonged illness. He was 86 years old. Read more...

China's heavy Olympic footprint on Tibet International Campaign for Tibet
On the eve of an Olympics closing ceremony, which will include a final propaganda push on Tibet, tight security remains in place across the Tibetan plateau, including sho .... Read more...

Tibetan Solidarity Committee to hold worldwide Mass Prayers, Fasts on 30 August
Detail programme of 12-hour long Fasting and Prayer Service to be observed by Tibetans, Tibet supporters and by the peace loving people of the world on 30th August 2008 or Last day of the 6th Month in Tibetan Calendar. In details...

Interview: His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks to euronews
His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Tibet is something mysterious. Someone from that land is a curiosity. And, perhaps because of the explosion of information, more and more people are showing an interest in some of my ideas. My main sort of message, or idea, is naturally every human being has a right to a happy life and a happy family. Yet generally, in order to achieve that, we simply pay attention to money, to material values. We don't pay adequate attention to our inner values. Another thing is the harmony among different religious traditions. Some Christian friends describe me as a good Christian. We have a common experience, a common practice in spite of a different philosophy. And then, perhaps some people say to me they love my smile!

euronews: The Olympic Games are coming to an end, nations are celebrating their champions. Meanwhile, you say Tibet is still enduring a new cultural revolution. What is the situation now as we speak in Tibet?
His Holiness: Basically, things are very tense. A lot of army, a lot of security personnel everywhere. And everywhere in the Tibetan community, according to reports, officials are starting the construction of military barracks. That means the military presence will now be permanent. That indicates the aggressive policy will continue. more...

Beijing: Night Light ‘Free Tibet’ Banner - Aug. 19, 2008
Beijing – Five pro-Tibet activists unfurled a banner spelling out “Free Tibet” in English and Chinese in bright blue LED “throwie” lights in Beijing’s Olympic Park tonight. The five were detained by security personnel after displaying the banner for about 20 seconds at 11:48 pm August 19th. Their whereabouts are currently unknown.The detained activists are Americans Amy Johnson, 33, Sam Corbin, 24, Liza Smith, 31, Jacob Blumenfeld, 26, and Lauren Valle, 21.. Read the press realease...

Olympic Organizers Say Children in Olympic Ceremony Not Minorities...
A Chinese Olympic official has acknowledged that organizers of last week's opening ceremony faked a portrayal of ethnic minority children, in the latest controversy involving the lavish celebrations.
Olympic organizers had previously said the children were from China's 56 officially recognized ethnic groups.
But Beijing Olympic organizing committee deputy director Wang Wei on Friday acknowledged that was not true. Wang said it was normal for performers to portray different ethnicities.His statement was in response to questions from foreign journalists, who were told by an official (Yuan Zhifeng) with a children's art troupe that the performers all came from her all-Han troupe. Click more...