Khashyar | Jan�ar 1, 2009

Obama Hvetja Forseti til Hv�t T�bet Einbeitni

F�studagur, Herganga 28, 2008

�vottur, D.C. - U.S. �ldungar��sma�ur Barack Obama (D-IL) � dag sent the following letter to President Bush, calling on him to employ every diplomatic tool to persuade Chinese President Hu Jintao to make significant progress in resolving the Tibet issue. Given the recent events in Tibet and the upcoming Beijing Olympics, Obama asks President Bush to encourage the Chinese government to negotiate with the Dalai Lama, guarantee religious freedoms for the Tibetan people, protect Tibetan culture and language, and support the exercise of genuine autonomy for Tibet. Obama also supports Bush’s insistence that foreign press and diplomatic personnel have free access to Lhasa and other Tibetan cities and villages to ensure that repression and human rights violations cannot escape the world’s notice.

The text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. President:

The situation in Tibet is deeply disturbing, and requires that all of us, regardless of party, do what we can to try to influence it for the better. I understand that you discussed the subject on Wednesday with President Hu Jintao. The United States has many issues for which China’s cooperation is important, including denuclearization of North Korea, ending Iran’s nuclear program, stopping the genocide in Darfur, confronting repression in Burma, and combating global warming. However, it is important that we give high priority to the plight of Tibetans and make clear to President Hu that the way in which China treats all Chinese citizens, including Tibetans, profoundly affects how China is viewed in the United States and throughout the international community.

Resolution of differences between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama is the key to progress in Tibet. The Dalai Lama, as you have said, is “a good man.” He is revered by virtually all Tibetans, and his absence from his homeland creates an incurable wound in the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibet’s unique cultural and religious heritage cannot be preserved if he is demonized and kept at arm’s length. He has accepted Beijing’s precondition for a solution, namely recognition that Tibet is part of China, and has clearly stated that he is seeking religious, cultural and linguistic protection and autonomy for the Tibetan people, not independence. More recently, he indicated his belief that despite recent events, the Chinese people deserve to host the Olympics this summer.

I hope you made clear to President Hu the American view about the importance of the following: a negotiation with the Dalai Lama about his return to Tibet; guarantees of religious freedom for the Tibetan people; protection of Tibetan culture and language; and the exercise of genuine autonomy for Tibet. That is the path to the stability and harmony that the Chinese leaders say they are seeking in Tibet.

In addition to your personal intervention with President Hu, there are other steps I hope you will take to highlight our concern. I support your call for the foreign press and diplomatic personnel to have free access to Lhasa and other Tibetan cities and villages to ensure that repression and human rights violations cannot escape the world’s notice. Beijing has committed to the International Olympic Committee to allow foreign journalists free access to cover stories throughout China, including Tibet. We should hold them to that commitment. The U.S. and our democratic allies and friends should also urge the UN Human Rights Council to send an investigatory team to Tibet. China should be encouraged to allow the International Committee for the Red Cross to visit prisons in Tibet to ensure that detainees are not held under inhumane conditions, tortured, or mistreated.

Like you, I want to take steps that increase the chance of a negotiated solution between Beijing and the Dalai Lama, and that have the best chance of improving the lives of ordinary Tibetans. Therefore, I support your effort to aggressively use your relationship with President Hu to achieve these goals. Should it appear, however, that the Chinese are taking private diplomacy as a license for inaction or continued repression, I would urge you to speak out forcefully and publicly to disabuse them of the notion that they can thus escape international censure.

Despite the high emotions of the present time, I hope you can persuade the Chinese leadership that in this the year of the Beijing Olympics they have a unique opportunity to make dramatic progress in resolving the Tibet issue. Chinese leaders have it within their power to achieve that worthy goal if they take steps to change the situation in Tibet for the better and by reaching an accommodation with the Dalai Lama. Progress in Tibet would profoundly affect the world’s perception of China as it prepares to host the Olympic Games in August.

Sincerely,

 

Barack Obama

United States Senator

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Tags: beijing olympics, chinese government, chinese president hu, Dalai Lama, human rights violations, president hu jintao, senator barack obama, tibet issue, tibetan culture, tibetans

Khashyar | January 1, 2009

The first major popular film reference to the Dalai Lama that I could find is from the 1980 Bill Murray film, Caddyshack.

In the film, Murray plays golf course groundskeeper Carl Spackler at the Bushwood Country Club:

“So I jump ship in Hong Kong and make my way over to Tibet, and I get on as a looper at a course over in the Himalayas….So, I tell them I’m a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald… striking.

So, I’m on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one big hitter, the Lama long, into a ten-thousand foot crevasse, right at the base of this glacier. Do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga… gunga, gunga-galunga.

So we finish the eighteenth and he’s gonna stiff me. And I say, ‘Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know.’ And he says, ‘Oh, uh, there won’t be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.’ So I got that goin’ for me, which is nice.”

Khashyar Darvich
www.DalaiLamaFilm.com

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Tags: bill murray, bill murray film, caddyshack, Dalai Lama

Khashyar | January 1, 2009

by Khashyar Darvich
www.DalaiLamaFilm.com

LOS ANGELES-In an attempt to punish criticism of its policies and of its government, the People’s Republic of China maintains a blacklist, a list of individuals who are not permitted to enter China and/or Tibet.

It is widely reported, for example, that actor Richard Gere is banned from entering China because of his support for the Tibetan independence movement and the Dalai Lama.

Also, after Harrison Ford spoke before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in support of Tibet, the Chinese government banned Ford from visiting Tibet.

Actress Sharon Stone’s films are banned in China after she made a comment that perhaps the large Earthquake in China that occurred in China in May of 2008 was a result of karma because of the occupation of Tibet by China:

“I’m not happy about the way the Chinese are treating the Tibetans, because I don’t think anyone should be unkind to anyone else,” Stone said in a brief red carpet interview with Cable Entertainment News of Hong Kong. “And then all this earthquake and all this stuff happened, and then I thought, is that karma? When you’re not nice that the bad things happen to you?”

Actor Brad Pitt was reported to be banned from entering the Chinese mainland for life after starring in the film “Seven Years in Tibet,” which presents a sympathetic portrait of the Dalai Lama.

Film Director Martin Scorcese is banned from entering Tibet after he directed the feature film “Kundun,” which is about the early life of the Dalai Lama and the brutal Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950.

Documentary filmmakers like “Dalai Lama Renaissance” producer-director Khashyar Darvich, who have made films that portray the Dalai Lama in a positive light, and that present a view of the Chinese invasion of Tibet that the Chinese government does not agree with, are also probably banned from entering Tibet.

Khashyar Darvich
www.DalaiLamaFilm.com

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Tags: actor brad pitt, actor richard gere, chinese invasion of tibet, Dalai Lama, earthquake in china, film kundun, martin scorcese, senate foreign relations, senate foreign relations committee, seven years in tibet, tibetan independence, u s senate

Khashyar | December 29, 2008

Congratulatory letter from the Dalai Lama to Barack Obama on his election as US President, November 5, 2008

 

Dear President-elect Obama,

Congratulations on your election as the President of the United States of America.

I am encouraged that the American people have chosen a President who reflects America’s diversity and her fundamental ideal that any person can rise up to the highest office in the land.  This is a proud moment for America and one that will be celebrated by many peoples around the world.

The American Presidential elections are always a great source of encouragement to people throughout the world who believe in democracy, freedom and equality of opportunities.

May I also commend the determination and moral courage that you have demonstrated throughout the long campaign, as well as the kind heart and steady hand that you often showed when challenged.  I recall our own telephone conversation this spring and these same essential qualities came through in your concern for the situation in Tibet.

As the President of the United States, you will certainly have great and difficult tasks before you, but also many opportunities to create change in the lives of those millions who continue to struggle for basic human needs.  You must also remember and work for these people, wherever they may be.

With my prayers and good wishes,

Yours sincerely,

THE DALAI LAMA

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Khashyar | December 28, 2008

Photo of President Barack Obama (then, Senator Obama) with the Dalai Lama at a 2005 Senate Foreign Relations Committee event.

 

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Tags: barack obama, Dalai Lama, photo, senator obama

Khashyar | December 28, 2008

 Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the situation in Tibet

Chicago, IL, March 14, 2008– “I am deeply disturbed by reports of a crackdown and arrests ordered by Chinese authorities in the wake of peaceful protests by Tibetan Buddhist monks. I condemn the use of violence to put down peaceful protests, and call on the Chinese government to respect the basic human rights of the people of Tibet, and to account for the whereabouts of detained Buddhist monks.

These events come on the 49th anniversary of the exile of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama. They demonstrate the continuing frustration of the Tibetan people at the way in which Beijing has ruled Tibet. There has been an informal dialogue between Chinese leaders and the Dalai Lama’s representatives over the past six years. It is good that they have been talking, but China has thus far shown no flexibility on the substance of those discussions. Indeed, it has delayed in scheduling the latest round, despite the willingness of the Tibetans to continue dialogue.

If Tibetans are to live in harmony with the rest of China’s people, their religion and culture must be respected and protected. Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy. The Dalai Lama should be invited to visit China, as part of a process leading to his return.

This is the year of the Beijing Olympics. It represents an opportunity for China to show the world what it has accomplished in the last several decades. Those accomplishments have been extraordinary and China’s people have a right to be proud of them, but the events in Tibet these last few days unfortunately show a different face of China. Now is the time for Beijing to take steps that would change the image people have of China later this year by changing the reality of how they treat Tibet and Tibetans. Now is the time to respect the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet.”

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Khashyar | December 28, 2008

Barack Obama Statement Honoring the Awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama

 

Washington, D.C., October 17, 2007 – “His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled leader, stands among the great moral figures of our time. His mission is reflected by personal example – a life led in humility, moral courage and the belief in the redemptive power of human compassion.

Today we celebrate the Dalai Lama, not only as the spiritual rock for the Tibetan people, but also for his tireless advocacy for religious harmony, non-violence and human rights throughout the world.

I am proud and honored to join my colleagues and all Americans in paying tribute to the Dalai Lama. By bestowing on him the Congressional Gold Medal, we send a clear message of our commitment and support for his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Tibet issue through dialogue with the Chinese leadership.

The people of Tibet have a distinct and rich culture, and the Dalai Lama occupies a special place in their Buddhist beliefs and practices. The Dalai Lama has been consistent in his message that he does not seek independence for Tibet, that he supports the integrity and unity of the People’s Republic of China, and that he aims for a solution based on Tibetan autonomy within China.

I am pleased that China has been willing to enter into discussions about Tibet’s future, including inviting the representatives of the Dalai Lama to China for a sixth round of talks earlier this summer.

But it is now time for the Chinese leadership to engage in a dialogue with the Dalai Lama directly, allow him to return to Tibet, and work with him to assure the identity and cultural integrity of Tibet and to address the legitimate needs of the Tibetan people.

Taking such steps will build the basis for long-term stability in this strategic part of that country.”

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Tags: barack obama, congressional gold medal, Dalai Lama, human compassion, peaceful solution, people of tibet, republic of china, tibet issue

Khashyar | December 28, 2008

 

 

 

Here is a letter that then Democratic candidate Barak Obama wrote to the Dalai Lama on July 24, 2008, explaining why he was not able to meet him in person during the Dalai Lama’s visit to Aspen, Colorado.

Here is the text of the letter:

*****

July 24, 2008

 

Your Holiness,

I regret that our respective travel schedules will prevent us from meeting during your visit to the United States this month, but I wanted to take the opportunity to reassure you of my highest respect and support for you, your mission and your people at this critical time. I hope that this letter and your meeting with Senator McCain will make clear that American attention to and backing for the people of Tibet is widespread and transcends the divisions of our political contest in this important election year.

I was heartened to read of the continuing dialogue between your representatives and the government of the People’s Republic of China. Although progress is likely to be slow, and the travails of the people of Tibet will continue, I am hopeful that the process of dialogue and negotiation will bring positive results if both sides demonstrate good intentions and mutual respect. I remain optimistic that this process will continue beyond the Beijing Olympics, and pledge that I will continue to support it. The right to practice their religious beliefs without punishment or obstruction is one that should be accorded the people of Tibet, and I will continue to encourage the Chinese government to put aside its suspicions and act in accordance with its own constitution.

I will continue to support you and the rights of Tibetans. People of all faiths can admire what you are doing and what you stand for, and I look forward to meeting you at another time.

With great respect,

Barack Obama

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Tags: barack obama, barak obama, beijing olympics, chinese government, Dalai Lama, people of tibet, republic of china, senator mccain