Celtic League Breton Branch in Tibet protest

Rapport publié le 28/03/08 6:17 dans Cultures par Cathal Ó Luain pour Cathal Ó Luain

The Breton branch of the Celtic League has launched a swingeing attack on Chinese repression in Tibet.

Branch Secretary, Gi Keltik, says that «by continuing to engage in human rights violations at home and abroad», China has breached a contract with the International Olympic Committee to improve its human rights record ahead of the 2008 Olympics.

In a bitter condemnation of the International Olympic Committee he has told Committee President, Jacques Rogge: «Your silence against China's continuing human rights violations not only encourages delegations who bid for future Olympic Games to make false promises, but also fails to uphold the founding principles of the Olympic movement itself» (see below).

All Celtic League National branches have been urged to add their voices to international protests against the murder of protesters and human rights violations by Chinese security forces who occupy Tibet

«Dr. Jacques Rogge President of (IOC) Château de Vidy…Case Postale356 1007 Lausanne…..Switzerland

Dear Dr.Rogge,

As a member of the Celtic League, Brittany/France/ Europe, I am writing to request that you take a stand as the President of the International Olympic Committee against China's continuing human rights violations.

As you are well aware, while bidding for the 2008 Olympic Games, China repeatedly promised to improve its human rights record and it was based on that promise Beijing was granted the right to host the 2008 Games.

As you are also well aware, China has not kept that promise. In violation of the UN Convention on Refugees. Chinese reporters whose only crimes are telling the truth and in Tibet, China continues to trample on the Tibetan culture, society and people.

In 2001, the Chinese government and the International Olympic Committee signed a contract for the 2008 Olympics. By continuing to engage in human rights violations at home and abroad, China has breached that contract. As the counterparty to that contract, it is your right and duty to demand that China honor the terms of that contract.

But the present situation goes beyond a contract. »The goal of Olympism«, as enshrined in the Olympic Charter, »is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.«

The goal of the modern Olympic movement, isn't »sport«, but the usage of sport to promote »harmonious development of man« , »peaceful society« , »human dignity.«

Your silence against China's continuing human rights violations not only encourages delegations who bid for future Olympic Games to make false promises, but also fails to uphold the founding principles of the Olympic movement itself.

Ultimately, if the Chinese government insists on perpetuating its human rights violations, like last week (W :11), you must move the Games into a democratic state…

Thank you in advance for your consideration, and courage.

Sincerely yours.

Breizh-Branch Sec. : Gi Keltik»