Tibetans denounce violence, seek sympathy
Kyodo News
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080421a5.html
With Japan set to host the Beijing Olympic
torch relay in the city of Nagano next Saturday, Tibetans living in Japan are
denouncing violence while calling for understanding of their culture and the situation
their homeland is facing.
"I do not oppose China hosting the Olympic Games. But I just want the human rights of ethnic minorities to be protected,"
said 34-year-old Tsering Dorjee.
Dorjee, who has Japanese citizenship, said
he wants people to understand that Tibet is in danger of losing its culture and
religion.
"We demand autonomy and freedom of
education. But the Chinese government has ignored us," said Dorjee, a
former refugee who now heads the Japanese branch of an aid organization that
provides support for Tibetans.
"Making known Tibet problems and
(resorting to) violence are two different things," he said.
Tsewang Nishikura, whose father was forced
into exile in 1959 along with the Dalai Lama, is a doctor in Saitama
Prefecture.
"I have been surprised that Japanese
are so unfamiliar with the problem in Tibet," the 55-year-old said.
Nishikura came to Japan as a student at the
age of 13. He later obtained Japanese citizenship.
He said he is concerned about rising
nationalism in China in reaction to criticism from the United States and
Europe.
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The Japan Times: Monday, April 21, 2008
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