Quotes from World Leaders and Athletes on Tibet and Olympics: letter to Jacques Rogge, of Olympic Committee

"Look at these cops, clubbing people in front of the UN, unbelievable, protesting to free Tibet, cops clubbing people in their legs on the sidewalk, in front of the UN in America, unbelievable, this is not China," an American cameraman announced in disbelief as NYC police beat protesters. __________________________ Letter developed by Students for a Free Tibet, Santa Fe's Kathy Ni Keefe, Board Member

To Mr. Jacques Rogge, President, International Olympic Committee Chà teau de Vidy, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland Fax: + 41 21 621 6216 Dear Mr. Jacques Rogge: I am horrified by China's suppression of peaceful expression and assembly in Tibet. These actions are not those of a worthy Olympic host. I expect you, as the President of the International Olympic Committee, to speak up about the events of this week and the Chinese government's violent crackdown on Tibetans.

The outpouring of frustration by Tibetans is the natural consequence of the Chinese government's repressive policies, repeated denunciations of the Dalai Lama, and unwillingness to negotiate a resolution to the end of Tibet's occupation. The IOC has exacerbated this situation by refusing to hold China to the human rights commitments it made when the IOC granted Beijing the Games, while allowing the Chinese government to use the Olympics to strengthen its control over Tibet. You cannot remain silent while your Olympic host country shoots into unarmed crowds less than five months before the Games begin. To do so makes you complicit in the violence against Tibetans and would forever mar the image of the Olympics and the Olympic Movement.

I urge you to immediately remove Tibet and Mount Everest from the Olympic Torch Relay route, to make a public statement about China's failure to live up to its Olympic promises, and to urge the Chinese authorities to use restraint in their response to the Tibetan protesters. Thank you,

Name: _______________________________(please print)

Address: _____________________________

E-mail: ______________________________

Country: _____________________________

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