Pelosi condemns violence- in Tibet.
She’s a bit inconsistent but this was the right thing to do.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi as U.S. congressional delegates look on in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala March 21, 2008. Pelosi said on Friday Tibet was a challenge to the world’s conscience and called for an international probe to clear the Dalai Lama’s name in the violent protests this month. (REUTERS)
Nancy Pelosi condemned the violence in Tibet today. She asked for the international community to hold an investigation to clear the name of the Dalai Lama.
The BBC reported:
A senior US lawmaker, Nancy Pelosi, has called for an independent investigation into China’s claims that the Dalai Lama instigated the violence in Tibet.
Ms Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, also called on the international community to denounce Chinese rule in Tibet.She spoke out while holding talks in northern India with the Dalai Lama.
The Chinese authorities are continuing to tighten security following days of protests by Tibetans.
China says 16 people have been killed by rioters in Lhasa, the main city. The Tibetan government-in-exile – headed by the Dalai Lama, regarded by many Tibetans as their spiritual leader – says at least 99 people have died in the crackdown by Chinese troops.
…Speaking in Dharamsala, seat of Tibet’s government-in-exile, Ms Pelosi said: “We call upon the international community to have an independent outside investigation on accusations made by the Chinese government that His Holiness [the Dalai Lama] was the instigator of violence in Tibet.”
She added: “The situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world.
“If freedom-loving people throughout the world do not speak out against China and the Chinese in Tibet, we have lost all moral authority to speak out on human rights.”
Ms Pelosi said she was not seeking a boycott of the Beijing Olympics, but warned that the “world is watching” events in China.
It was refreshing to see the House Speaker condemn violence somewhere in the world.
I thought the Dalai Lama was quitting?
Meanwhile… Jules Crittenden notes that the PRC is encountering resistance.
Previously:
Deaths Reported at Tibetan Rally– Rioters Torch Cars & Shops
Scores Dead at Democracy Protests in Tibet– Police Station Attacked
Chinese Parade Handcuffed Tibetan Activists Down Lhasa Streets
Dalai Lama Threatens to Resign…
