China: Nobel Winners Urge Tibet Talks

By Edward Wong, The New York Times

10 April 12

welve Nobel Peace laureates have written an open letter to President Hu Jintao of China, urging him to engage in "meaningful dialogue" with the Dalai Lama to ease Tibetans'frustrations over Chinese policies. At least 32 people in Tibet have set themselves on fire since March 2011 to protest Chinese policies. The laureates, including Desmond M. Tutu, Jody Williams and Lech Walesa, expressed concern over "the drastic expressions of resentment by the people of Tibet." The letter, to be sent Tuesday, calls for Mr. Hu to open up Tibet to journalists and diplomats, stop the arbitrary detention of Tibetans and respect religious freedom.

Full text of letter:

President Hu Jintao,
The People's Republic of China
Bejiing, China

Dear Mr. President:

The people of Tibet wish to be heard. They have long sought meaningful autonomy, and chosen negotiation and friendly help as their means of attaining it. They now turn to protest. The international community is concerned by the drastic expressions of resentment by the people of Tibet through self-immolation. The Chinese government should hear their voices, understand their grievances and find a non-violent solution.

That solution is offered by our friend and brother His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has never sought separatism, and has always chosen a peaceful path. We strongly urge the Chinese government to seize the opportunity he provides for a meaningful dialogue. Once formed, this channel should remain open, active and productive. It should address issues that are at the heart of the current tension, respecting the dignity of the Tibetan people and the integrity of China.

Specifically, we are respectfully requesting that the Chinese government release all those who have been arbitrarily detained; cease the intimidation, harassment and detention of peaceful protestors; allow unrestricted access for journalists, foreign diplomats, and international organizations to Tibet; and respect religious freedom.

It is especially important to understand that the international community will be reassured if your government would allow members of the press and United Nations Human Rights investigators full access within Tibet. Without that access, progress is unlikely and an opportunity may be lost.

Sincerely,

Desmond Tutu
Jody Williams
Rigoberta Menchu Tum
Jose Ramos Horta
Leymah Gbowee
Adolfo Perez Esquivel
Shirin Ebadi
Lech Walesa
Mairead Corrigan Maguire
Jon Hume
Betty Williams
Carlos Belo