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The South African government has denied the Dalai Lama a visa for entry, for fear of upsetting trade relations with China. In just 24 hours, thousands of South Africans have signed a petition asking the President to reverse this decision.

This decision damages South Africa's international reputation and dishonours the generations of South Africans who fought long and hard for cultural respect, political equality and democracy. We've struggled hand in hand with friends around the world for freedom. Now it's our time. Sign the petition below reminding President Motlanthe that the New South Africa is a country built on solidarity and calling on him grant the Dalai Lama a visa for entry. Together, we can make our voices heard:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/visa_for_the_dalai_lama/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

For more information, read the following email which was sent by Elinor Sisulu and the Global advocacy group, Avaaz to its members in South Africa.

Thanks!

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Dear South African friends,

Despite its denial this week, our government appears to have refused the Dalai Lama an entry visa because of fears it may affect the burgeoning trade relationship with China.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has called this act a ‘total betrayal of our struggle's history’ and along with other Nobel laureates including FW de Klerk has announced he will boycott the World Cup peace conference, which the Dalai Lama was planning to attend before it was postponed today.

Generations of South Africans fought long and hard for cultural respect, political equality and democracy in this beloved country. They struggled hand in hand with friends around the world for freedom. We appeal to you to sign the petition to President Motlanthe reminding him that the New South Africa is a country built on solidarity and calling on him to safeguard our sovereignty from unwanted Chinese government intervention. If enough of us sign, our voices will be heard by the President to reverse his decision and allow the Dalai Lama into the country before the World Cup:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/visa_for_the_dalai_lama/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

South Africans have a proud history that must not be bargained away. Global solidarity and international leadership were instrumental in the demise of Apartheid. While economic ties with China have grown, culminating in last year's undisclosed agreement between our two countries, this opportunity should not come at the expense of human rights or support for one of the world's leading lights of peace and non-violence.

The Dalai Lama has been campaigning non-violently for autonomy for the Asian nation of Tibet from China for more than 50 years. Denying him a visa will weaken the resolve of other nations to stand up for human rights. It will certainly not serve the interests of South Africans. Almost a century ago, Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off a train in South Africa because of apartheid abuse. We must appeal to our government not to mete out similar disrespect to one of the most revered international figures of our times.

A Chinese official has admitted that they asked South Africa not to grant the visa citing the danger it would do to their bilateral relationship; the South African government has in turn said “it would not be in the interests of South Africa” to allow the Dalai Lama in. Let's together let our President know that abandoning an international human rights struggle for a trade relationship is a rejection of South African history, and unacceptable for the South Africa of today:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/visa_for_the_dalai_lama/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

This recent visa decision comes on the back of the South African government blocking vital UN Security Council decisions which would have encouraged human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe and Burma. Now China appears to have been successful in telling our government who should and should not enter South African territory. This sets a dangerous precedent and we must appeal to the President of South Africa not to bow down to bullying tactics.

As we commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Dalai Lama being forced to flee his home in Tibet, let's together call upon the government to issue a visa to enter the land known internationally for its commitment to political freedom and human rights.

With hope,

Elinor Sisulu, Human Rights Activist
and the Avaaz team

Sources:

South African trading relationship with China:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/5038641/South-Africa-accused-of-selling-out-after-Dalai-Lama-barred-from-peace-conference.html

Nobel Laureates respond to South African decision
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/23/dalai-lama-south-africa-world-cup-ban

Some reasons why South African refused to grant the visa
http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/03/23/why_did_south_africa_deny_the_dalai_lama_a_visa

China African relations
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i9FyFIVCp0wNH4nph9741vqe__NwD973PKI80

More information about Tibet
http://www.saft.org.za/

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