In the wake of the crackdowns in Tibet by the Chinese government, condemnation and outcry have been brought forth by the international community. However, there was violence from both the demonstrators and the Chinese forces. There have been talks across Europe of a possible boycott of the Olympic Games.
The Dalai Lama in a recent BBC interview expressed his concerns. He explained while he is the spokesman for Tibet, he does not control them. His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama admits that more of the activists have taken the route of radicalism. The Dalai Lama himself is an advocate of using nonviolence.
But, he had issued an ultimatum to the Tibetans. It is either the Tibetans use more nonviolent means or he will step down as Tibet’s leader. The marches and protests started on March 10, marking the anniversary of the uprising against China in 1959. The Dalai Lama was forced to flee to India in exile.
Since then, the Dalai Lama continued to be the leader of Tibet from exile in India.
China’s Premiere Wen Jiabao accused the Dalai Lama of the violent protests. He called the Dalai Lama’s accusation of “cultural genocide” nothing but lies. Also, he added by accusing the Dalai Lama of trying to ruin the Olympic Games which will be hosted in Beijing, China.
However, the Dalai Lama supports using the Olympic Games as a means of protest.
The Olympic International Committee (IOC) has urged nations not to boycott the games because of what is happening in Tibet.
Now, Elie Wiesel along with 25 other Nobel laureates criticized and condemned China for its crackdown on the protesters. The UN and the US has urged both sides to restrain themselves.
“We protest the unwarranted campaign waged by the Chinese government against our fellow Nobel laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” said the statement released by Wiesel.
The Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize back in 1989. Wiesel said that he is a close friend of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
“The latest events are dramatic and the main thing is to stop the present oppression, persecution and violence,” Wiesel added.
Then Wiesel was asked about China if it does agree to talk with Tibet. He answered by saying: “If they don’t agree and the violence goes on we will have to ask for more, maybe the reconsideration of the Olympics … but we are not there yet.”
The issue of Tibet is but one of many woes surrounding the Beijing Olympics in what it could be perceived as a mass public relations nightmare.
Recently, Hollywood actor Richard Gere who supports Tibet and is a convert to Buddhism said he may consider boycotting the Olympics.
Prince Charles of Great Britain who also supports the Dalai Lama said he will not attend the opening ceremony.
Many Tibet activists plan to use the various points of the Olympic Torch relay to stage protests.
The other issue looming over China is the violence in Darfur, Sudan. China is the number one buyer of oil in Sudan. There have been talks about China not doing enough to end the violence in Darfur.
Hollywood director Steven Spielberg has resigned from his post as a creative director for the Olympics in Beijing because of it.
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