[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA TO END ITS CRACKDOWN IN TIBET

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                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this important 
resolution. On Monday, activists spread a huge banner across the Golden 
Gate Bridge reading ``One World. One Dream. Free Tibet.'' I think we 
can all learn from these powerful words. China's crackdown on the 
Tibetan people has reminded us that human rights violations are an all 
too common part of life under Chinese rule.
  As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I believe 
China must engage in an open dialogue with the Dalai Lama that respects 
the independent national identity of the Tibetan people. However, 
China's violent oppression of these peaceful protestors only shows 
their refusal to reach a solution to this crisis. Additionally, China 
has refused to end its support for the Government of Sudan, continuing 
to invest in its corrupt leaders. Unfortunately, China's support has 
helped prolong the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.
  We cannot expect China to lead the international community by hosting 
the Olympic games when it continues to show a lack of respect for 
fundamental human rights. Our President and all American travelers must 
seriously reflect on whether to support the Beijing Olympic games in 
any way because our country must never support those who stand in the 
way of peace and freedom.

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