And now from the “what the heck were they thinking” department, the South African government has denied the Dalai Lama a visa to attend a peace conference to showcase – get this – South Africa’s human rights record in anticipation of the 2010 world cup. Because they didn’t want to piss off the Chinese, South African officials decided to deny entry to one of the major figures of peace in the world – the Dalai Lama. Good luck with that South Africa.
The Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Laureate did not receive a visa because it was not in South Africa’s interest for him to attend, said Thabo Masebe.
South Africa thinks that, if the Dalai Lama attended the conference, the focus would shift away from the 2010 World Cup — the global soccer championship it will host next year.
“We cannot allow focus to shift to China and Tibet,” Masebe said, adding that South Africa has gained much from its trading relationship with China.
The Dalai Lama’s fellow laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, said he would boycott the event.
Former president F.W. De Klerk, another laureate, backed Tutu, saying in a statement that he would also not participate in the conference if the Dalai Lama remained excluded.
De Klerk said that the decision to refuse the visa made a “mockery” of the peace conference.
posted March 24, 2009 at 4:24 pm
There seems to be a great deal of propaganda surrounding the Dalai Lama and his attempts to support Tibetan autonomy. For a more global perspective, read the comments to the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s report.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/03/24/south-africa-dalai-lama-peace-conference.html
posted March 25, 2009 at 2:27 am
Ha! South Africa’s going down the gurgler and stuff like this just proves it. They’re just picking the wrong side. In 10 years it will be another Zimbabwe.
And as usual Archbishop Tutu proves what a remarkable man he is (and, unfortunately, a lone voice in the African wilderness).
It’s just so sad.
posted March 25, 2009 at 11:39 am
small minds vs. BIG MIND
posted March 25, 2009 at 11:53 am
that the Dalai Lama, despite his protestations of compassion and peace makes a career of undermining the Chinese authorities in Tibet. The living conditions for most Tibetans are vastly improved under the Chinese regime, and it is unlikely that the majority of Tibetans want a return to the old theocracy. So good for South Africa.
The question about if Chinese occupation of Tibet is justified historically or politically remains open, but the improvement in living conditions for Tibetans is no longer an issue. In economy, education, medicine, trade, and the opportunity to improve one’s lot in life, the balance tilts very distinctly in favor of the Chinese regime, and agqinst the old Tibetan theocracy.
posted March 25, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I’m sorry, I had myself a laugh-fest at the irony of the Dalai Lama being turned away from a peace conference. More proof that the world has lost its collectve mind!
posted March 25, 2009 at 1:55 pm
my words to anyone who thinks Tibetan’s have it made is that you know the truth deep down in your heart and mind.
I agree Nasale with you everyone is afraid of making Hulk angry! What happens then when we are forced to have one currency because Hulk says so?
posted March 25, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Brucenm obviously has his head in the sand regarding the benefecence of the chinese regime in Tibet, both as to “improved” conditions and as to the “open question” whether they have any colorable claim to Tibet. China had NO right to invade a sovereign country by force of arms. That the world stood still for it is a disgusting commentary on the UN and civilzation in general. That some now purport to be an apologist for China is pure stupidity.
posted March 25, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I am appalled at BruceNM! To say Tibet is better off under Chinese rule is an outrage!!! TO say they are better off being under the rule of a communistic country is laughable, indeed.
As for His Holiness being refused entry to a peace confrence, this is truely proof that a good number of people of this world have lost their minds! The sad thing is, theses are people who we (as a world) have made leaders. It is time for the gentle spirits to show what we are made of! Peacefully of course
posted March 25, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Destroying Tibet’s culture and their right to practice their religion is definitely not an improvement in their living conditions. If a Tibetan has a picture of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he can be put in prison or killed. That’s also not an improvement in living conditions. Monks are revered by Tibetans, and yet they are put in prison. No improvement there. Because His Holiness the Dalai Lama has such an enormous heart, full of compassion, he refuses to vilify the Chinese government. Yet he has not been allowed to return to his homeland for fifty years. This is so very wrong, and I don’t understand why the world has not stood up for the Tibetans — but its not too late! Please speak up now! Good information is available at: http://www.phayul.com/
posted March 25, 2009 at 3:08 pm
THis is SUREAL!!!
ridiculous…………denied him a visit to do what he does???? just because they didnt want to piss off th materia and mean chinese people, goverment or who knows who????
CHINESE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN THOUGHT HISTORY BARBARIAN………and by the way the not only have tried to hurt those poor monks……but have wanted to take also their few territory left……………inhumane
posted March 25, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Sometimes the peace conferences are little more than window dressing anyway. I may complain bitterly about how peoeple are treated until some gigantic country refuses to cooperate financially with my country, and prices or availabiliy of products I wish to buy are no longer available. Our country has depended heavily on China to loan us money during these financially down times. I wonder if we are very far ahead of South Africa ourselves, morally, anyway. We may have more power to do as we please on such issues, but this may not always be the case. What’s that old saying, “Money talks?”
posted March 25, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I will continue to boycott everything to do with South Africa. White- or black-governed, it still fails the tests of humaneness and reasonable behavior.
SA may claim they have been driven into the arms of the Communist Chinese, but they have no good excuse for so many of the choices they have made. This is just one more in a long line of so-called “expediencies” which demonstrate that SA does not yet deserve a place among civilized nations.
posted March 25, 2009 at 6:20 pm
A principle isn’t a principal unless it costs you something. The Dalai Lama understands this. Most politicians and corporate heads live their lives on shifting sands, never gaining footing in the truth.
posted March 25, 2009 at 6:27 pm
It wasn’t so long ago that South Africans were placing car tires around their fellow South Africans necks and setting them on fire. Amazing that the disease of violence has a cure and they reject it for gold. The cure is found in His Holiness’s teachings.
posted March 26, 2009 at 3:46 am
Silly me, I thought the focus of the Peace Conference was peace, NOT South Africa. If the focus is on South Africa and thus the reason for denying the visa, perhaps it ought not be called a Peace Conference but rather, “Hey, Look At Us – Isn’t South Africa Special – Conference”.
If South Africa is letting economics rather than what’s right primarily determine its relationship with China – and the Dalai Lama – I’d have to say it’s pretty much business as usual in South Africa.
posted March 26, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I find it fascinating…. “The 2010 World Cup Peace Conference”? Maybe they can add a garage sale and cover even more bases. I just don’t remember other World Cup Peace Conferances but hey I may have just missed them.
posted March 27, 2009 at 1:45 am
Money trumps ethics in SA. What does a symbol of peace have to do to win respect? How long ago did Nelson Mandela retire? They need Desmond Tutu to get involved.
posted June 13, 2009 at 7:08 am
Please send me information about you all events.
thanks
Yuel Bhatti