More prayer manuscripts from a Buddhist temple, Tibet, 18th-century.
It seems South Africa has forgotten its painful lessons of apartheid. Apparently bowing to pressure from China, the South African government has blocked the Dalai Lama from attending a peace conference. The Dalai Lama was to have joined Nobel Peace Prize laureates Desmond Tutu, Martti Ahtisaari and FW de Klerk, as well as Norway’s Nobel Peace Committee, at a conference March 27th.
Both Tutu and de Klerk have indicated they'll boycott the conference, if the Dalai Lama is not permitted to attend. Dai Bing, speaking for the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, told reporters his government appealed to the South African government to prevent the Dalai Lama from entering the country, as "this would harm bilateral relations."
Is China attempting to perpetuate its own disregard for human rights within South Africa? Read more of the shameful story here and here.
I thought everything was made there?
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 25 March 2009 at 03:23
This is horrible Tara.
Thank you for always having the scoop.
Is there anything we can do?
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 24 March 2009 at 18:58
That is insane. I wonder what else we can really do besides boycotting Chinese goods?
Posted by: tangobaby | 24 March 2009 at 17:51
Oh I agree, how soon they forget! China should be incredibly ashamed of themselves. China is showing no peace! I will put my sadness and anger I have toward this situation and turn it into something positive. Such a a school lesson for the kids.
xo
Posted by: Christina | 24 March 2009 at 12:53
When is it ever going to end?
Posted by: Di Overton | 24 March 2009 at 12:42
"Is China attempting to perpetuate its own disregard for human rights within South Africa?"---
Yes.
:(
Posted by: amber | 24 March 2009 at 02:10
I was astounded when I heard about this. I haven't bought things form China is a while; here is more reason to continue.
Posted by: debra | 24 March 2009 at 01:55
China is not only buying South Africa, they are buying West Africa as well. The answer is simple, "love." Why can't we get it right?
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | 24 March 2009 at 01:04
"We learn well from our friends, but better from our enemies." When, oh when are the Chinese going to learn? Hope springs eternal here, somewhere there is an answer and the world would be better for it if we find it.
Posted by: Allegra Smith | 24 March 2009 at 00:09
Oh no, that's horrible! Yet more reason not to buy from China...
Posted by: Cheryl de los Reyes Cruz | 23 March 2009 at 19:05