Chinese intellectuals urge China to rethink of Tibet Policy

Thursday, 27 March 2008, 5:15 p.m.

Dharamshala: A group of Chinese intellectual in China had publicly urged the country's leaders to rethink of Tibet Policy, in a petition entitled 'Twelve Suggestion for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation' released on 22 March 2008, reported International Campaign for Free Tibet.

The leading intellectuals point out that the recent demonstrations by Tibetans since 10 March 2008 have spread across Tibet. This deterioration indicates that there are serious mistakes in the work that has been done with regard to Tibet. The relevant government departments must conscientiously reflect upon this matter, examine their failures, and fundamentally change the failed nationality policies.

The petition further states that the language used by the Chinese government to describe His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not "in keeping with the situation, nor is it beneficial to the Chinese government's image," saying: "As the Chinese government is committed to integrating into the international community, we maintain that it should display a style of governing that conforms to the standards of modern civilization."

"The one-sided propaganda of the official Chinese media is having the effect of stirring up inter-ethnic animosity and aggravating an already tense situation," the group said.

The letter strongly urge the Chinese government to "stop the violent suppression" in Tibet, and appeals to the Tibetan people likewise not to engage in violent activities.

They called the Chinese government to engage a dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the issue of Tibet.

  (www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)