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China Rips Dalai Lama for Olympic 'Sabotage'

Leader plotting to hold games 'hostage,' says Beijing

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 23, 2008 6:00 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Beijing is charging that the Dalai Lama incited recent protests in Tibet as part of a "terror" plot to ruin the Olympic games, Reuters reports. "The Dalai Lama is scheming to take the Beijing Olympics hostage to force the Chinese government to make concessions to Tibet independence," writes China's official newspaper. The Dalai Lama has condemned the violence.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning spiritual leader of Tibet, in exile since 1959, has called for talks with Beijing about giving the tiny nation autonomy, rather than outright independence. The anti-government rallies have left dozens dead and more injured since March 10, prompting the president-elect of Taiwan to consider pulling his athletes from the games "if the situation in Tibet worsens."

A Chinese Buddhist monk stands behind a burning incense at a Lama temple in Beijing. China accused the Dalai Lama on Sunday of orchestrating the recent anti-government riots in Tibet.
A Chinese Buddhist monk stands behind a burning incense at a Lama temple in Beijing. China accused the Dalai Lama on Sunday of orchestrating the recent anti-government riots in Tibet.   (Associated Press)
Tibetans pray for the souls of those who died during protests in China as they urge the Chinese government to resist from using brute force against Tibetan protesters, in Katmandu, Nepal.
Tibetans pray for the souls of those who died during protests in China as they urge the Chinese government to resist from using brute force against Tibetan protesters, in Katmandu, Nepal.   (Associated Press)
Tibetans light up thousands of oil lamps to pray for the souls of those who died during protests in China as they urge the Chinese government to resist from using brute force against Tibetan protesters.
Tibetans light up thousands of oil lamps to pray for the souls of those who died during protests in China as they urge the Chinese government to resist from using brute force against Tibetan protesters....   (Associated Press)
Exiled Tibetans hold a protest march in Dharmsala, India, on March 22, 2008. Demonstrators marched through the streets of Dharmsala to voice their disapproval of China's crackdown in the region.
Exiled Tibetans hold a protest march in Dharmsala, India, on March 22, 2008. Demonstrators marched through the streets of Dharmsala to voice their disapproval of China's crackdown in the region.   (Associated Press)
Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche, speaks to the public in Dharmsala, India, Saturday, March 22, 2008.
Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche, speaks to the public in Dharmsala, India, Saturday, March 22, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama gestures during a speech by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, unseen, in Dharmsala, India, Friday, March 21, 2008.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama gestures during a speech by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, unseen, in Dharmsala, India, Friday, March 21, 2008.   (Associated Press)
The Dalai Lama has threatened to step down as leader of Tibet's government in exile if violence committed by Tibetans in his homeland spirals out of control.
The Dalai Lama has threatened to step down as leader of Tibet's government in exile if violence committed by Tibetans in his homeland spirals out of control.   (Associated Press)
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, gestures, as he arrives for a meditation workshop last week.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, gestures, as he arrives for a meditation workshop last week.   (AP Photo/Mustafa Quraishi)
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COMMENTS
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Tibetans in the US growing impatient
Los Angeles Times

Chinese intellectuals urge Beijing to admit own failures
Washington Post

Locals losing faith in China's propaganda
Times (UK)

Younger exiles call for stronger action
New York Times

Long-simmering resistance is now boiling over
Edmonton Sun

These Olympics have clear parallel with 1936
Miami Herald

 
China • Taiwan • 2008 Beijing Olympics • protests • Tibet • Dalai Lama • Tibetans in exile • political demonstrations • Ma Ying-jeou

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