TIBET UPDATE

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The Tibet Update eNewsletter is a bimonthly summary of news and governmental actions related to Tibet. Past issues in PDF format are located at http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/tibet-weekly-updates/.

INSIDE TIBET:

Chinese Communist Party demands reforms in Tibetan monasteries

In a move that could be aimed at weeding out pro-Dalai Lama elements, Du Qinglin, head of the United Front Work Department of the Party's Central Committee, demanded that "greater, concerted and solid efforts" must be made to implement democratic management in the monasteries. Du, also vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that in implementing monastery democratic management, the lawful rights of monasteries, orderly religious activities of monks and nuns, and normal religious practice of believers must be ensured. Read the complete story . . .

China tightening grip on Tibetan business class

Dorjee Tashi, a Tibetan tycoon who runs a chain of hotels and a real estate business, is the second influential Tibetan to be targeted by China. Popularly known as "Yak Tashi" with an estimated property value of 450 million pounds, Dorjee Tashi was arrested by authorities in the wake of the 2008 uprisings in Lhasa. The young business man was held incommunicado since his arrest until June 26, 2010, when the Lhasa Municipality Intermediate People's Court convicted him for "illegal business operations" in a secret trial that lasted three days, details of which are not available. Read the complete story . . .

China holds two top level conferences on Tibet's public security and monastic activities

According to Chinatibetnews.com, the Public Security Ministry of the PRC organized a meeting of Public Security Bureaus in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and the four provinces. The two-day meeting was held in Lhasa on August 18 - 19 and assessed the results and experiences of "upholding public security, struggle against the current separatist movement and identified current challenges facing stability in Tibetan areas." Read the complete story . . .

U.S. GOVERNMENT:

U.S. must publicly pursue clear Tibet policy says FPI director democracy and human rights

Ellen Bork, Director of Democracy and Human Rights for the Foreign Policy Initiative, writes in the Wall Street Journal, "American officials should know by now that nothing is gained by acquiescing China's overbearing behavior on Tibet and any other issue. Adapting to Beijing's 'correct understanding' of Tibet undermines not only the Dalai Lama and human rights for Tibetans, but also America's own 'core interest' in seeing these respected in Tibet and China as well. To be credible, America must clearly and publicly pursue a well-established policy on Tibet." Read the complete story . . .