Fires in Tibet's capital, Lhasa after protests, 14 Mar 2008

China reopened Tibet to foreign tourists Wednesday, three months after a harsh crackdown on anti-government protests that sparked an international firestorm.

Statements on Tibetan government websites say they are resuming foreign tourism following last Saturday's run of the Beijing Olympic torch through the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.  The statements declared the torch run a success, and said it was a victory over "separatists" and proved that social stability in the territory had been restored.

China halted all tourism in Tibet after the March 14 anti-government protests and subsequent crackdown.  Beijing allowed domestic tour groups back into the region in late April.

China says 22 people were killed in the demonstrations, but Tibet's government-in-exile says more than 200 people died in the crackdown on mostly monk-led protests. 

 

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.