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China Seals Off Tibetan Capital

Crackdown comes after new protests, visit by foreign envoys

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 29, 2008 2:51 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Chinese police closed off Tibet's capital today after fresh protests broke out during a tightly-orchestrated visit by diplomats. “The whole area has been shut down,” said one London-based advocacy group. Authorities swarmed Lhasa’s main temples, as monks continued demonstrating and urged Beijing to begin talks with the Dalai Lama.

Beijing has promised to compensate the families of 18 victims killed in Lhasa violence, but reps of the Dalai Lama say the death toll is closer to 140. The US has pressed China to allow journalists and diplomats greater access to Tibet, and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson will raise the issue during a visit to Beijing next week, Reuters reports.

An arrested rioter, accompanied by a police officer is interviewed by foreign journalists at a prison in Lhasa, capital of China's Tibet Autonomous Region Thursday, March 27, 2008.
An arrested rioter, accompanied by a police officer is interviewed by foreign journalists at a prison in Lhasa, capital of China's Tibet Autonomous Region Thursday, March 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Chinese have sealed off Lhasa after new protests erupted in the Tibetan capital.
Chinese have sealed off Lhasa after new protests erupted in the Tibetan capital.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Chinese paramilitary police patrol through a street in Lhasa.
Chinese paramilitary police patrol through a street in Lhasa.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
The Dalai Lama says he only wants greater autonomy for Tibet within China.
The Dalai Lama says he only wants greater autonomy for Tibet within China.   (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson will raise Tibet in Beijing during a visit next week.
Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson will raise Tibet in Beijing during a visit next week.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Tibetan monks have protest lack of religious freedom and urged China to talk with the Dalai Lama.
Tibetan monks have protest lack of religious freedom and urged China to talk with the Dalai Lama.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
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New protests erupt at Lhasa temples
Associated Press

EU joins US in calling for China, Dalai Lama talks
Voice of America

US investors anxious over Chinese ruckus
CNN

 
China • Henry Paulson • diplomat • Tibet • Dalai Lama • monks • Tibetan independence • Lhasa

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