Tibetan Martyrs honoured on His Holiness’ Birthday in South Africa
Wednesday, 9 July 2008, 10:08 a.m.
Pretoria: About 60 people,
including resident Tibetans observed a minute silence to pay their
respect to Tibetans killed, injured and detained by the Chinese
authorities, at a function held in Pretoria, South Africa to mark 73rd
birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 6 July.
The function, organized by the Office of Tibet, began with Tibetans
singing the Tibetan national anthem, while many from amongst the guests
prostrated before the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Officials of the local government, officials various embassies,
provincial legislative members, trustees of Buddhist centre, and
members of Tibet support group, attended the function.
Informing the distinguished guests that the seventh round of
formal talks was held in Beijing from 1 – 2 July, Mr Sonam Tenzing,
representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Africa said, ” Some
210 Tibetans were killed, more than 1000 injured and more than 5792
arrested and detained by the Chinese authorities since peaceful
protests erupted in March 2008.”
“Yet, the Chinese government has been deliberately hurling
series of allegations against His Holiness the Dalai Lama for
instigating recent unrest and riots in Tibet. But, the international
leaders, governments, and people in general are fully aware these
allegations and accusations are baseless and untrue,” he added.
He further said, “Leaders throughout the world are urging His
Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration to
engage with the Chinese leadership to bring about a peaceful resolution
to the issue of Tibet. ”
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been steadfastly upholding the
Middle-Way Approach – a policy endorsed by the Tibetan Parliament
in-exile and enjoys the support of the majority of the Tibetan people,”
he added.
At the end a simple luncheon was hosted for the guests present at the function.
–Report filed by Office of Tibet, South Africa