As noted in the global media, the Olympic torch relay has been met with protest in many cities around the world. This is because, for many, this year's relay has become a symbol of something other than what the Olympic Torch was meant to represent. Many well-respected international personalities have already announced their withdrawal from the torch relay in order to express their disagreement over the violent repression of freedom in Tibet and throughout China.

 
First off, we would like to congratulate you for being one of the few outstanding figures selected to bear the Olympic torch. We understand that this honor is due to your outstanding achievement in your own country. This distinction should be applauded and should not go unnoticed. Although we would love to see you express your moral integrity by withdrawing from the torch relay, we are aware that it is your complete right to make decision.
 
However, if you do choose to bear the Olympic torch, which is claimed to be the flame of peace, we would like to invite you to follow through on your duty as a 'Peace Ambassador'. We hope that you can use your position to light the flame of compassion within to encourage the Chinese government to stop the violence against the Tibetan minorities in China. We invite you to encourage the Chinese government to allow international fact-finding groups to enter Tibet to meet with the people who have been affected by the violence, and finally to encourage the Chinese government to continue the peace talk with Tibetan Administration in Exile. With many across the globe now expressing concern for the people of Tibet, it is the perfect time for the Chinese government to resume talks.

Hence, we would like you, the bearers of the Olympic Flame, to monitor the progress of the torch as it continues around the world. The most vulnerable moment will be when the Olympic torch reaches Tibet. As Qianba Puncog, the Chairman of the Chinese Administration in Tibet, announced to those who turn out to voice their concerns: "We will without doubt deal with those persons severely. We will not be merciful!" This statement is a fearful reminder of our duty to assure that the torch will bring peace to wherever it may go, and not fear. We ask you to please assure that the torch you carry will never become a source of fear to those living along its path.
 
Throughout their struggle for their constitutional rights withing China, the Tibetan people have attempted to remain true to the principles of non-violence. In the face of so much injustice, torture and death, Tibetans have refused to use violence or terrorism as a political tool. As you may be aware, the non-violent approach is the most powerful and sustainable way to solve any problems and the Tibetans have been committed to this process for many decades now. We now have an obligation to show them our support.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his exiled administration have made it clear that they do not aspire for complete independence for Tibet. They do not wish to split China. What they are struggling for are conditions of meaningful autonomy of Tibet in the three traditional provinces, where large areas have been annexed to provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan. They call for their constitutional rights to preserve their environment and their culture, religion. They are not asking for anything that has not already been granted to every Chinese citizen by the Chinese Constitution. Their requests are fair, righteous, and based on respect of every culture and ethnic group in the Chinese motherland.
 
HH the Dalai Lama always announces his hope to see Tibet as a demilitarized and non-violent zone as well as an ecological sanctuary. Tibet, which is often called the roof of the world, is the source of many important rivers, such as the Mekong and Brahmaputra. These areas are now under threat by unchecked development, particularly the development of nuclear waste and weapons facilities. The Chinese Government admitted in the year 1995 that there are nuclear waste dumps in Tibet. This waste may potentially flow down the rivers to contaminate our very own soils. So, this is an issue that affects us all.

We are confident that as you represent the true spirit of the Olympic Torch, you will also speak for the suffering of those in Tibet who are very much in need of Peace. May peace prevail in Tibet and in all our hearts very soon.
 
Yours sincerely,
International Network of Engaged Buddhists  (INEB)
Bangkok, Siam (Thailand)
e-mail:
http://www.inebnetwork.org/

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