Dharamsala (AsiaNews) - The Tibetan government-in-exile and the Dalai Lama have asked Tibetans living all over the world to interrupt their anti Chinese protests as a sign of respect for the victims of the disastrous earthquake that struck the southern central province of Sichuan last May 12.  In the meantime, however, some protest leaders are asking the world not to forget "the disaster caused by the communists in Tibet". 

According to a document published yesterday by the government of Dharamsala, sent to all the Tibetan diplomatic offices around the world, "the protests over the Chinese repression in Tibet begun last May 10 must be stopped at least until the end of May.  Tibetans should send letters and messages to the survivors, as a demonstration of solidarity".  Moreover, "everything possible must be done to bring aid: fundraising and volunteer groups, but also prayer vigils in memory of the victims".

For his part, the Dalai Lama has confirmed his intention of suspending criticism of the Chinese government, and has told the BBC that he has seen "greater openness on the part of the communist leaders with respect to the media and international aid, a good sign in the midst of so much desperation".  

During his official visit to London, the Buddhist leader added: "I hope that this new and more open mentality will continue.  I believe that this transparency could be applied in other areas as well, Tibet not last among them".Dhondup Dorjee, vice-president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, is not of the same opinion. The activists tells AsiaNews: "We have to distinguish between the natural disaster of the earthquake that struck China and the man-made disaster that is currently taking place in Tibet.  The earthquake was a tragedy, and we prayed for the victims and the survivors, but we must not forget those who suffer in Tibet".

This very morning, he adds,  "we received authentic information from sources inside Lhasa that nuns have been detained and arrested by the Chinese officials, the Chinese have re-intensified their religious re-education campaigns, and the Tibetans in Lhasa are suffering enormously. We cannot stop the protests until Tibet is truly free".