USA: TIBET RALLY IN WASHINGTON DC
(1 Jul 2000) English/Nat XFA Thousands of Tibetans and their supporters rallied and marched in Washington to highlight the ongoing struggle of the Tibetan people. Actor Richard Gere was among the nearly seven thousand demonstrators. The march came on the eve of the Dalai Lama's address. Nearly seven thousand people gathered along the National Mall outside the White House, showing a message of solidarity with the Tibetans and anger towards China. The rally and march were part of a weekend filled with events aimed at highlighting what many call the threatened culture of Tibet. Demonstrators - including actor Richard Gere - marched for nearly two miles, bringing their message first to the World Bank, and then to the Chinese Embassy. The World Bank's support for a project that would move thousands of Chinese and Muslims into Tibetan lands was of particular concern. Activists fear that project - and others like it - will allow China's to continue and ultimately destroy the Tibetan society. SOUNDBITE: (English) "But I still have one question, and I say this to James Wolfensohn of the World Bank, and I say this to Jiang Zemin and anyone else who protects tyrants, what is wrong with peace, love and understanding?" SUPER CAPTION: Richard Gere, Actor, Chairman, International Campaign for Tibet Activists say the Dalai Lama has repeatedly asked for dialogue with China, only to be repeatedly shunned. Former Buddhist Monk, Palden Gyatso, who was jailed and tortured in Chinese prison camps for 33 years issued this warning to the Chinese. SOUNDBITE: (Tibetan) "We have the truth and Tibetan people have so far suffered the Chinese brutality, but if they do not want to respond to his Holiness' overtures, this could take a violent turn and the Chinese government must bear the responsibility of the consequences. I would like to appeal to the Chinese government that they must consider the initiatives made by his Holiness, the Dalai Lama." SUPER CAPTION: Palden Gyatso, Ex-Political Prisoner The Dalai Lama will address the American people on Sunday. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: / ap_archive Facebook: / aparchives Instagram: / apnews You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
