| TESTIMONY OF RICHARD GERE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET BEFORE THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIAN AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS APRIL 23, 2008 Madam Chairman, Senator Murkowski, other Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for inviting me here today to speak on the crisis in Tibet. I am here as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Campaign for Tibet, which advocates on behalf of the rights of Tibetans and a negotiated solution on the future of Tibet. I am also here to introduce and support my longtime friend and colleague, Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, who serves as lead negotiator with the Chinese government in his role as Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Madam Chairman, it was only six months ago that we gathered here, across the street in the Capitol Rotunda, to witness a most-moving and remarkable historic event – the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I was honored and humbled to watch as His Holiness received from the United States Congress its highest recognition for his lifelong devotion to peace, compassion, and non-violence, and for speaking the truth about the condition of his people. Not only did the ceremony touch me spiritually, it made me deeply proud to be an American and to see the President and Members of Congress, of both parties, standing side by side with the Dalai Lama in unified support of his efforts on behalf of the Tibetan people. By becoming the first American President to appear publicly with His Holiness, President Bush sent a clear signal of his commitment to put the United States on the side of human rights and religious freedom, and to preserve the cultural and linguistic uniqueness of the Tibetan people. On March 10, a vortex opened up over Tibet: the unleashing of countless layers of frustration and resentment. The unrest inside Tibet, which continues to this day, did not start because of the Beijing Olympics. It was not instigated by the Dalai Lama, no matter what the Chinese authorities have so offensively claimed. The spontaneous demonstrations and unrest were the direct result of nearly six decades of brutal repression and calculated efforts to control religious practice and attack the very foundations of the Tibetan religious, cultural, and ethnic identity. The Cultural Revolution is still alive and well inside Tibet. Since Buddhism took hold in Tibet 1,300 years ago, Tibetans have worked single pointedly to rid themselves of anger, violence, and hatred turning these into the noble expressions of love, compassion, and forgiveness. This is their cultural legacy. But they have been left with so little opportunity and have experienced such brutality for so many years that they have reached the tipping point of despair and hopelessness. Now the whole world is watching. At the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, the President expressed his solidarity for the plight of the Tibetan people and embraced the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and his cause of basic freedoms and human decency in Tibet. Yet, today, when Tibetans are in their greatest moment of need, we have heard only a passing comment from the President. I was pleased to read the piece that Under Secretary Dobriansky had published in the paper on Monday. Following some previous very public fumbling of this issue, even from the President’s top National Security advisor, (Two Sundays ago on ABC’s “This Week”, National Security Advisor Steven Hadley commented on the crisis by erroneously mentioning “Nepal” seven times, never once uttering the word “Tibet”.1) I was beginning to wonder how we can trust this Administration to do the right thing when they cannot even find Tibet on a map. I still am waiting for the President to throw some weight behind this issue and become publicly engaged. We are looking for effective policies that yield results for those who are suffering now. We are in a tug of war between freedom and repression, survival and extinction. The cycle will not end until we see a negotiated solution grounded in genuine harmony and trust between the Chinese and Tibetan peoples. Let us not be fooled by the Communist Party’s concept of a “harmonious society.” We know now that this is a hollow slogan. Genuine peace and stability do not emerge from the barrel of a gun. Genuine harmony between people is based on the ability to speak the truth. This requires dialogue and goodwill, both of which – if we listen to the rhetoric coming out of Beijing -- are in short supply among the Chinese leadership. We must avoid further alienating the Chinese people, who themselves have been victimized and are governed by the same leaders that are authorizing the crackdown in Tibet. It is desperately important that we ensure that our Chinese brothers and sisters have access to the truth, and we must hope and pray they will take advantage of the opportunity. Of course, we applaud the Chinese for their extraordinary economic success and sense of national achievement. At the same time, we must not fail to take pride in the principles that have made our own nation great, are enshrined in Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and hold in their realization the real promise of world peace. The United States and like minded nations must do whatever we can to redirect Chinese ambition onto the path of democracy and human rights. Paradoxically, the present crisis can be seen as an opening to create a framework for the Chinese leadership themselves to initiate a meaningful, results-based dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Surely China’s leaders, despite what they say, must realize that His Holiness, with his unwavering commitment to peace, non-violence, and an autonomous Tibet within the structure of the PRC, is critical to the lasting stability of the region. For Tibetans and for the larger world, only the Dalai Lama can serve as a foundation of legitimacy for Chinese rule. Key to moving forward is developing a better understanding of the internal political dynamics within the Chinese leadership concerning Tibet. Are there differences of opinion? Are there voices of sanity? One such light in the darkness is the recent resolution signed by over one hundred, very courageous Chinese intellectuals demanding a rethinking of China’s Tibet policy and calling for an immediate end to the demonizing of Tibetans and I quote, “We hold that we must eliminate animosity and bring about national reconciliation, not continue to increase divisions between nationalities. A country that wishes to avoid the partition of its territory must first avoid divisions among its nationalities. Therefore, we appeal to the leaders of our country to hold direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama. We hope that the Chinese and Tibetan people will do away with the misunderstandings between them, develop their interactions with each other, and achieve unity. Government departments as much as popular organizations and religious figures should make great efforts toward this goal. ” End quote". This gives us tremendous wonder as to how and why, Chinese leaders continue to make such wrong- headed policy decisions that run so counter to their national goals. Are there Communist leaders brave enough to envision a positive resolution in Tibet that will enhance China internally and internationally as a nation of peace, prosperity, and genuine harmony? The one-party system has created a political culture that does not allow for unwelcome news to move up the chain. Field reports of growing hopelessness, anger, and resentment inside Tibet, in the cities, in the villages, among the nomads, have had little chance of making it to the desks of top officials. So it’s not hard to imagine that the extent of the uprisings, and the international reaction, have caught them way off guard. We know we are witnessing a complete breakdown of China’s Tibet policy. I suspect that leaders in Beijing are coming to realize this too. If we can learn more about the internal Chinese debate, we can identify opportunities for moving forward on a dialogue that benefits both China and Tibet as their interests are definitely not mutually exclusive. President Hu Jintao is key to this. This is a defining moment that tests his leadership and offers him a distinct opportunity for greatness. He was Party Chief in the Tibetan Autonomous Region during the 1989 crackdown. His rise to power was propelled by the hard line approach he held at that time. Some have suggested that Hu, with this background, is well-positioned for a “Nixon goes to China” moment on the Tibet question. Let’s hope that he has both the courage and the stature to heed the call. American leaders and other heads of state must urge him to seize the critical moment, and remind him of the great lost opportunity for China and its- and his- emerging legacy if he does not. Now, more than ever, instead of blaming the Dalai Lama, Beijing must reflect on the failures of its strategy for Tibet. It is in its own long-term interest to recognize what has led to the current instability, and to engage for the first time with the genuine grievances of the Tibetan people and embrace the Dalai Lama as a partner in earnest dialogue. I urge Congress to vigorously promote policies toward this goal before it’s too late. Finally, I want to express deep appreciation for the political and programmatic support that the U.S. Congress has provided to the Tibetan people. This support – from humanitarian assistance to refugees to Voice of America and Radio Free Asia Tibetan language broadcasts has been crucial and has created a nation of people who still the United States of America as a beacon of freedom in a sometimes very dark world. Of this support, the American people can be very proud. Over the years, it has been my pleasure to get to know many Members of Congress and U.S. government officials who work to advance Tibetan issues. Some are long retired, like Senator Claiborne Pell, others like Senator Moynihan, are gone from us. Julia Taft, who held the position of Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the State Department has also recently passed away. Just days before her passing, the International Campaign for Tibet awarded Julia its Light of Truth Award for her significant contributions to the public understanding of Tibet and its people. I know Julia also had many friends in the Congress her supported and respected her work to promote the best humanitarian engagement possible by these United States with those less fortunate around the world. Thank you. ________________________________________________ 1 “This Week with George Stephanopolous, ABC, April 13, 2008 |
| All work and no play makes Richard Gere a fairly interesting boy April 25, 2008 You’d think between launching a new restaurant in Bedford—no, make that two restaurants—and campaigning to raise awareness about the China-Tibet problem, Pound Ridge’s Richard Gere wouldn’t have time to be making movies. Well, you’d be wrong. Very wrong. In fact, Gere is about as busy as we’ve ever seen him. He just signed on to star in two new films, according to Variety. The first is “Amelia,” an Amelia Earhart biopic starring Hilary Swank in the title role (Gere will play Earhart’s husband, publisher George Putnam) and directed by Mira Nair. That one begins filming later this month in Toronto, Nova Scotia, and South Africa. The second film is cop drama “Brooklyn’s Finest,” is about three Brooklyn cops whose lives are following very divergent paths, yet all three end up at the scene of the same deadly location. Gere’s costars will be Don Cheadle and Ethan Hawke. And as if that wasn’t enough, Variety also mentions that Gere is currently shooting “Hachiko,” with director Lasse Halstrom, a neighbor of Gere’s who live in Bedford and has collaborated with the actor before. Boy, that man is busy, busy, busy. I’m winded just recounting all this! |
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| Actor and Pro Tibet activist, Richard Gere on Wednesday (April 23) called on the U.S. administration to do more to stop the Chinese crackdown on Tibet. Speaking to lawmakers along with the special envoy to the Dalai Lama, Gere had some harsh words for the Bush administration. "I was beginning to wonder how we can trust this administration to do the right thing when they can't apparently find Tibet on a map. I am still waiting for the president to throw some weight behind this issue and become publicly engaged. We are looking for effective policies that yield results for those who are suffering now," Gere said. Some Tibetan leaders are demanding independence from China. But the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, says that he does not wish for Tibetan independence, but rather greater autonomy. Gere is urging the US administration to impose more pressure on China to start dialogue with the Dalai Lama and stop the human rights violations against the Tibetan people. Some representatives are also calling on China to allow access to Tibet by U.N. delegations and the media. |
| WATCH THE VIDEO - CLICK HERE |
| UPDATED May 9, 2008 |
| April 9, 2008 ABC NEWS interviews Richard Gere after the Tibet Rally in San Fransisco California Watch the video now. |
| Committee on Foreign Affairs U.S. House of Representatives Contact: Lynne Weil at (202) 225-5021 Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Full CommitteeHoward L. Berman (D-CA), Chairman You are respectfully requested to attend the following OPEN hearing of the Full Committee, to be held in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building . Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Time: 10:00 AM Subject: "Tibet: Status of the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue" witnesses: The Honorable Paula J. Dobriansky Under Secretary Democracy and Global Affairs U.S. Department of State His Excellency Lodi G. Gyari Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Mr. Richard Gere Chairman of the Board of Directors International Campaign for Tibet |
| TIBET: STATUS OF THE SINO-TIBETAN DIALOGUE READ IT HERE |
| Watch the web cast Here |
| Just a quick note and observation; this hearing took place one year and one day prior to the large scale protest and violence in Lhasa, Tibet. Little did the people, who were involved in this hearing know, that the suppression, violence, and situation in Tibet would worsen within a short year of this discussion. |
| Paula J. Dobriansky Under Secretary, Democracy and Global Affairs Term of Appointment: 05/01/2001 to present Dr. Dobiansky is the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues BIOGRAPHY |
| Hilary Swank and Richard Gere on the set of Amelia Earhart movie April 28, 2008 |
| Hilary Swank and Richard Gere on first day of filming “Amelia”. A look at the life of legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart, who disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 in an attempt to make a flight around the world. |
| These are our first “official” set pictures from an exterior scene for Richard Gere and Hilary Swank’s Amelia, based on aviator Amelia Earhart, who – you know – went missing during a round-the-world flight in 1937. |
| Hilary and and Richard Gere shoot a scene for the biopic ‘Amelia’ outside the Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto yesterday. April 28, 2008 |
| April 30, 2008 Outside of Union Station in Toronto, Richard Gere and Hilary Swank walking down an enclosed walkway. |
| Model A Ford cars parked on the street as part of the movie set. |
| Extras returning to the hotel for a break |
| Windsor Arms Hotel Originally opened in 1927 and rebuilt in 1999, the Windsor Arms is one of Toronto’s most luxurious hotels. Nestled on a quiet street, in the midst of Yorkville, the hotel is a regular host to many film festival parties and events. Stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton regularly took a suite here when in Toronto, while today, frequent visitors include Richard Gere and Britney Spears. Behind the hotel’s century-old portals are 28 newly-appointed luxury suites with 24-hour butler service. The hotel’s restaurant, Courtyard Café, offers fine dining in a grandiose ballroom featuring huge chandeliers, while The Tea Room is the spot for a traditional afternoon tea, and in the evenings the hotel bar Club 22 offers casual dining and dancing. For guests who need pampering, The Spa offers fully-serviced individual treatment rooms, including a beauty salon, swimming pool (complete with poolside fireplace) and exercise facilities. And if you’re looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place for you. The staff here always puts their guests’ privacy first. Autograph seekers stay away! |
| April 23, 2008 It began with hearings on Tibet at 11:30 chaired by Barbara Boxer. As Richard Gere said, it was particularly moving to hear how much the Senators know and care. Until today, I thought they didn’t really know what was going on and the loss of Tom Lantos would bring them to know nothing collectively. They talked about the six million Tibetans who are displaced, especially the most esteemed Dalai Lama himself. The enormous outbreak of violence that occurred March 10, 2008 had been percolating for 58 years even though the PRC said it was a contemporary uprising fueled by His Holiness. I can’t imagine that anyone would be so stupid as to blame anything violent on him ~ it is the ultimate disclosure that they are lying. Lodi Gyari, envoy for HHDL, said that living the life of non-violence is the most difficult way of life. He explained that a few years ago, visiting the village of his youth, he had to manage his commitment to non-violence every minute, every moment as he watched the terrible violations of human rights. Richard Gere said something amazing, that the Tibetans “think of America as a beacon of freedom and it is very important to them.” As a Buddhist, I want to say that I felt it as a call to be that; to be all that they think we are. And to think well of others, to believe the best, to call others to be their best. Their suggested remedies are to open a Consulate in Lhasa, President Bush to visit Tibet after the Olympic opening ceremonies in Beijing, allow press access to Tibet and opening Friendship Bridge which the PRC closed. |
| May 3, 2008 Hachiko: A Dog’s Story, the Richard Gere film about a faithful dog, completed its winter filming in March on locations that included the Woonsocket railway station, a home on High Street in Bristol and the campus of the University of Rhode Island, where the professor character played by Gere teaches. But Feinberg is expecting the movie crew to return for nine days in June “to catch the seasons.” |
| Actor Richard Gere gave a wave to the crowd watching the making of his movie Hachiko: A Dog’s Story, outside the train station in Woonsocket in February. |
| May 2, 2008 NEW APPLICATIONS: 1. Squirrelly Acres dba The Bedford Post Cafй, 954 Old Post Road, Bedford, NY 10506. Section 73.12 Block 2 Lot 1, R-4 Acre District. An already-installed solid cedar board concave fence as a replacement for an existing fence where the new fence results in a height of 5 feet where 4 feet is permitted located less than 20 feet from the front property line. Article III Section 125-15A |
| April 28, 2008 Richard Gere on the set of Amelia, watch halfway through the video as he looks out the doors of the hotel. |
| PAGE V RECENT NEWS CLICK HERE |