Auckland, New Zealand: A group of Tibetans, Chinese and New Zealanders held a peaceful protest at the Chinese consulate in Auckland on Friday.
There were over a hundred people supporting the protesters alongside strong media presence.
The Tibetan supporters held banners with Tibetan freedom slogans, waved Tibetan National flag and displayed photos of Tibetans killed by Chinese police during recent protests in Tibet.
Peaceful protest was led by monks, at times chanting Buddhist prayers.
Among the speakers was Keith Locke of the New Zealand political ‘Green Party’. An avid supporter of Tibetan cause, Mr Keith emphasized on the need to open dialogue between the Chinese leadership and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.
Margerate from Amnesty International said peaceful demonstrations in Lhasa were a human rights cause and not a crime as wrongly construed by Chinese authorities to be. She condemned the violent crackdown by Chinese authorities. Margerate also urged the Chinese Communist leadership to live up to their word and commitment with regards to human rights and the Olympics.
Friends of Tibet members were also present with their flags. They pro-Tibet group will organize a global campaign for Tibet on Monday in Auckland, the organisation’s president Mr. Thuten Khesang said.
National director of Unite Union spoke powerfully about the importance of a free Tibet, and denounced free trade agreement New Zealand is on negotiation with China.
The Unite Union has also planned a peaceful protest march in the heart of Auckland city on Saturday, 5th April, long before the Tibetan issue escalated in recent weeks.
We were happy to unite with our fellow Buddhist friends from the Burmese community, who are also still struggling with their military rule in Burma, backed by China.
The Tibetan community of Auckland also signed petitions letters to be handed in person to the Chinese Consulate members. These petitions urge China to:
• Stop all killing and torture of Tibetans immediately
• Permit independent UN observers into Tibet
• Allow for International Media Access
• Begin talks with and stop denigrating the Dalai Lama
