Prominent Chinese Citizens Publish Open Letter Proposing Twelve Suggestions on Tibet
Comments Off on Prominent Chinese Citizens Publish Open Letter Proposing Twelve Suggestions on TibetProminent Chinese Citizens Publish Open Letter Proposing Twelve Suggestions on Tibet
(Chinese Human Rights Defenders, March 22, 2008)- 30 prominent Chinese citizens released a public letter today entitled Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation.
The letter condemns “violent acts against innocent people” and “strongly urges the Chinese government” to “end the propaganda” and news blockade surrounding incidents in Tibet last week and to “stop the violent suppression.” It also appeals to the Tibetan people “not to engage in violent activities.” To truly understand what happened in Tibetan areas in the past week, the Chinese government needs to invite the UN Human Rights Council to investigate and allow national and international media access to these areas for independent reporting, the letter says.
The signatories call on the Chinese government to guarantee the Tibetans freedom of religion and expression, freedoms guaranteed in the Chinese Constitution. Tibetans who were arrested in relation to the incidents must be given free and fair trials. The letter also urges relevant government departments to “conscientiously reflect upon this matter, examine their failures, and fundamentally change the failed nationality policies.”
The letter urges dialogue between Chinese leaders and the Dalai Lama, so as to “eliminate animosity and bring about national reconciliation”. Chinese people in China and abroad should stay “calm and tolerant, and reflect deeply on what is happening,” the letter says.
For full text of the letter, please see:
Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation (in English)
Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation (in Chinese)
