[+/-] : Olympics: Foreigners told to behave at Beijing Olympics — or else

Olympics: Foreigners told to behave at Beijing Olympics — or else

By STEPHEN WADE, Associated Press

BEIJING — Foreigners attending the Beijing Olympics better behave — or else.

The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, nine-page document — covering 57 topics — on Monday. Written only in Chinese and posted of the organizers' official Web site, the guide covers everything from a ban on sleeping outdoors to the need for government permission to stage a protest.
The document, not immediately available in English, also said having Olympic tickets is no guarantee of getting a visa to enter China.


"Those holding Olympic tickets are not guaranteed of being granted a visa," the guide said. "They still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."

Fearing protests during the Aug. 8-24 Olympics, China's authoritarian government has tightened controls on visas and residence permits for foreigners. It has also promised a massive security presence at the games, which may include undercover agents dressed as volunteers.

The government is hoping to keep out activists and students who might stage pro-Tibet rallies that would be broadcast around the world. It also fears protests over China's oil and arms trade with Sudan, and any disquiet from predominantly Muslim regions in western China.

"In order to hold any public gathering, parade or protest the organizer must apply with the local police authorities. No such activity can be held unless a permit is given. ... Any illegal gatherings, parades and protests and refusal to comply are subject to administrative punishments or criminal prosecution."

The document also warns against the display of insulting slogans or banners at any sporting venue. It also forbids any religious or political banner in an Olympic venue "that disturbs the public order."

The guidelines seems to clash with a pledge made two month ago by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who said athletes could exercise freedom of speech in China. He asked only that athletes refrain from making political statements at certain official Olympics venues.

"Freedom of expression is something that is absolute," Rogge said in Beijing in April. "It's a human right. Athletes have it."

The highly detailed document is entitled: "A guide to Chinese law for Foreigners coming to, leaving or staying in China during the Olympics." This appears under the slogan of the Beijing Olympics: "One World, One Dream."

For months Chinese authorities denied there had been any change to visa regulations, but recently acknowledged that rules had been amended. The changes may have little affect on some of the 500,000 foreigners expected to visit for the Olympics, many of whom will come on package tours with visas already arranged.

The rules published Monday say entry will be denied to those "who might conduct acts of terrorism, violence and government subversion ... and those who might engage in activities endangering China's national security and national interest."

The rules also bar entry to smugglers, drug traffickers, prostitutes and those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions.

The document also warns foreigners that not all areas of the country are open to visitors. One such area is Tibet, which is also off limits to journalists.
"Not all of China is open to foreigners, and they shall not go to any venue not open to them," the statement said.

The guide also spells out a long list of items that cannot be brought into the country including weapons, imitation weapons, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency, drugs and poisons. It also prohibits the entry of materials "that are harmful to China's politics, economics, culture and morals".

Foreigners staying with Chinese residents in urban areas must register at a local police station within 24 hours of arriving. The limit in rural areas is 72 hours.
The guide also threatens criminal prosecution against anyone "who burns, defaces ... insults or tramps on the national flag or insignia."

For those planning on sleeping outdoors to save a little money — forget it. This is banned in order to "maintain public hygiene and the cultured image of the cities."
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[+/-] : Tibetan Freedom Torch Riders Present Petition to U.S. Olympic Committee

Tibetan Freedom Torch Riders Present Petition to U.S. Olympic Committee

BOULDER, Co – On May 27, four Tibetans and two westerners successfully completed the Colorado “Tibetan Freedom Torch” bicycle ride from the Capitol Building in Denver to the U.S. Olympics National Headquarters in Colorado Springs. The leader of the “Freedom” ride was also able to hand over to a high level official of the U.S. Olympic Committee a petition demanding that the Beijing Olympic Torch not pass through Tibet.


In Denver, the “Torch” event began with a walk to the State Capitol Building by about 100 individuals including Tibetans, Sherpas, and others. During the walk, leaders of the Tibetan Association of Colorado, Colorado Friends of Tibet, International Tibet Independence Movement, and others in attendance carried the “Torch.”

As the walkers approached the Capitol Building, Nawang Khechog sounded a Tibetan long horn and the “Torch” was passed from the oldest Tibetan walker to the 2 youngest Tibetan walkers who were situated in baby strollers.

On the steps of the Capitol, a young Tibetan girl passed the “Torch” to Denver City Councilman Paul Lopez. Mr. Lopez then spoke in strong support of Tibet. Other speakers included Telo Rinpoche, Native American Activist Rudy Balles, Tenzin Dhongyal (President-Tibetan Association of Colorado), Dawn Engle (President- Colorado Friends of Tibet), and Jigme Norbu (son of Taktser Rinpoche who is the oldest brother of His Holiness The Dalai Lama).

After the rally, the 6 “Freedom” riders including Jigme Norbu proceeded on their way to Colorado Springs. During the 60-mile ride through rural central Colorado, the weather was cloudy, cold, damp, and hazy. As twilight approached, the fog was so thick that the riders experienced limited visibility. Even still, they achieved their target goal location for the first day. In the evening, the riders met with members of the Colorado All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church and discussed the situation in Tibet and the purpose of their ride.

On the second and final day, the riders circled downtown Colorado Springs and then joined a welcoming rally of over 150 Tibetans and supporters on the steps of City Hall. From here, all in attendance began a 2.5-mile walk to the U.S. Olympic Committee Headquarters.

As the participants approached the entrance to the Headquarters, Nawang Khechog once again sounded a Tibetan long horn. Darryl Seibel (Director of Public Affairs, U.S. Olympic Committee) was present as the “Freedom” seekers arrived at the entrance to the compound.

At the Headquarters, Tenzin Dhongyal read a statement directed at the U.S. Olympic Committee and its’ President, Peter V. Ueberroth, demanding that the Beijing Olympic Torch not pass through Tibet and that President Bush not attend the Olympics unless significant progress was made in negotiations between China and His Holiness The Dalai Lama in settling the Tibet issue. Mr. Dhongyal strongly urged the U.S. Olympics Committee President in his capacity also as a Director of Coca-Cola Company to use his significant influence in the upcoming last meeting of the IOC before the Beijing Olympics to speak up for Human Rights in Tibet. Mr. Dhongyal then presented to Mr. Seibel the statement and a petition making the same demand.

When asked to speak to the audience upon receiving these documents, Mr. Seibel declined and simply left the entranceway. He promised to forward the petition to his higher authorities. It also should be noted that Mr. Seibel prior to the commencement of the rally had agreed to take a photograph with the “Freedom” seekers. This, however, did not occur. Currently, the organizers are awaiting a statement from the U.S. Olympics Committee and its President, Peter V. Ueberroth.

The rally continued with speeches by Larry Gerstein (President- International Tibet Independence Movement), Dawn Engle, and Jigme Norbu, interspersed with the singing of the Tibetan National Anthem, Tibetan freedom songs, Tibetan prayers, and a long life prayer for His Holiness The Dalai Lama.

Before leaving, the participants posed for a photograph in front of the U.S. Olympic Headquarters.

While many participants wished to enter the Headquarters and walk through the Visitors Center, security denied access to each of them.

Tibetans from Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Indiana participated in the Denver and Colorado Springs rallies.

Radio Free Asia, Voice of America, Voice of Tibet, and many of the local television stations and newspapers reported on the events in Denver and Colorado Springs.

For pictures of the activities in Colorado, visit www.coloradofriendsoftibet.org, www.coloradotibetans.org, and www.rangzen.org.
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