Text Only
Search

 
Fresh Protests Reported in Tibet During Foreign Diplomats' Visit

30 March 2008

Fresh protests were reported in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa Saturday, as diplomats from the United States, Japan and several European countries wrapped up a closely managed tour of the region organized by Chinese officials.

The International Campaign for Tibet and Tibet's government in exile said new protests had occurred near major Buddhist temples in Lhasa where earlier demonstrations turned violent March 14.

Mitsuhiro Wada, a diplomat with the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, returning from trip to Tibet, at Beijing airport, 29 Mar 2008<br />
Mitsuhiro Wada, a diplomat with the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, returning from trip to Tibet, at Beijing airport, 29 Mar 2008

Diplomats from 15 countries visited the Tibetan capital on a Chinese-approved tour of the region.

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing said in a statement that the trip to Lhasa was heavily scheduled and participants were not able to deviate from the official itinerary, nor move around independently.  The delegates were also not allowed to hold unsupervised conversations with local residents.

On Thursday, about 30 monks of the Jokhang Temple disrupted a similar government-controlled visit by foreign journalists.  The monks complained about a lack of religious freedom. 

Peaceful demonstrations in Lhasa began March 10, on the anniversary of a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule.  The unrest erupted into riots in Lhasa four days later, followed by a crackdown on protesters.

The Tibetan government in exile, based in India, says at least 140 Tibetans were killed during Chinese authorities' crackdown on protests in Lhasa and other areas. 

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

emailme.gif E-mail This Article
printerfriendly.gif Print Version

  Related Stories
Dalai Lama: China's Demographic Policy Threatens Tibetan Culture
EU Ministers Call for Talks Between China, Dalai Lama
Foreign Diplomats Take Managed Tour of Lhasa
 
  Top Story
Iranians Rally on Anniversary of American Embassy Takeover

  More Stories
Afghanistan's Abdullah Says Karzai Re-election Lacks Legitimacy
Republicans Gain in US State Elections  Audio Clip Available
US Envoys Meet Burma's PM, Aung San Suu Kyi
US House Overwhelmingly Passes Resolution Critical of UN Report on Gaza  Audio Clip Available
India Denies Support to Pakistan Insurgents
Fiji's Diplomatic Tussle With Australia, New Zealand Escalates  Audio Clip Available
Obama, EU Push for Climate Deal  Audio Clip Available
Clinton to Ask Egypt for Help; Can Cairo Deliver?  Audio Clip Available
Merkel Meets With Obama, Addresses Congress   Audio Clip Available
World War II 'Lost Battalion' Veterans Reunite  Audio Clip Available
Czech Court Clears Way for President to Sign New EU Treaty  Audio Clip Available