By Tsering Yangzom
The 44th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising day was marked in London on March 8 by hundreds of Tibetans and supporters with a rally outside the Chinese embassy and a cultural programme at the Westminster Cathedral Hall where the main speaker was the Chairman of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, Mr. John Wilkinson.
Speaking after the Tibetan uprising song and welcome remarks from Mr. Chonpel Tsering, Secretary of the Tibetan Community in Britain, Mr. Wilkinson said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a beacon of hope in a cruel world.
“His Holiness’ patiently pursued quest for dialogue with the Chinese authorities has maintained optimism among those who are for Tibet’s liberty that ultimately the People’s Republic of China will recognise that to grant the people of Tibet the opportunity to determine their own governance and to maintain their way of life can only enhance China’s international reputation,” he said, adding that it is in China’s own interest to address the issue of Tibet.
Mr. Tsering Tashi of the Office of Tibet speaking just before the traditional dance and song performances by Tibetan community in Britain said that the Tibetan government in exile headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama has made every effort to bring about meaningful dialogue with the Chinese leadership. He added that a positive response would signal to the world that China is serious in resolving the Tibet issue.
“In the run up to the 2008 Olympics to be held in Beijing, a timely solution to the Tibet issue would therefore also serve as a good news for China and its international image,” he said and called upon China to engage in a dialogue with His Holiness and the Tibetan government in order to put an end to one of the world’s unresolved issue of the 21st century.
Mrs. Philippa Carrick, Director of Tibet Society, concluded her vote of thanks by asking the gathering to request their members of parliament to support and sign the two Early Day Motions on Tibet introduced in the parliament by MP Harry Cohen and MP John Wilkinson to draw attention to the plight of Tibetans and Tibet issue.
Earlier speaking at the rally, Mr. Sonam Frasi, member of the Tibetan parliament in exile representing Tibetans in Europe, urged people to write to Prime Minister Tony Blair to ensure that Tibet appears high on his agenda during his visit to China in April.
“We attach great importance to British government’s policy towards Tibetan issue because of the historical links that Britain had with Tibet before 1959. Britain had direct international treaty relation with Tibet before Tibet became an occupied nation,” he said.
The rally was organised by Free Tibet Campaign and its director, Ms. Alison Reynolds, also spoke about the recent Chinese authorities execution of Lobsang Dhondup and later lead a delegation to hand a petition to the Prime Minster’s Office at Number 10 Downing Street.
