Release From Friends of Tibet
It's official - and it's the most significant event ever for Wellington to show its support for Tibet!
The President of the People's Republic of China, Jiang Zemin, will be here for a state visit after APEC. In the
words of our Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley, "New Zealand must grasp the opportunities which this visit
presents". So with that advice, FOT is calling upon all Wellington members and supporters to join together and
demonstrate to President Jiang the concerns we all have for Tibet and her people.
Come greet President Jiang as he and his entourage arrives at 9pm, Monday 13 September at the Defence Airport
Terminal located on Cochrane St, off Lyall Bay Parade. Join us there to raise Tibetan flags and hold up the
banners FOT specially made for this occasion.
The next day, Tuesday 14 September, President Jiang will be arriving early at Government House for top level
meetings and a State Reception at noon. Join the TALK TIBET VIGIL outside the gates of Government House to
reinforce the need for dialogue at Head of State level regarding the Tibet issues.
Best times to attend the TALK TIBET VIGIL outside Government House (by the Basin Reserve) :
*Early morning, 7:30 - 9:00am in anticipation of President Jiang's and other dignitaries arrival, and be seen by
commuters on their way to work
*From about 11:15am - 12:30pm to send our message "TALK TIBET" in with NZ Government Ministers and other invited
guests attending the State Reception
*Late afternoon, from 4:00pm until President Jiang departs for the airport
*... You can arrive anytime throughout the day to show your support for Tibet!
We want to be seen, so wear bright blue, yellow and red - the colours of the Tibetan Flag! Please tell everyone
you know - friends, family, workmates…to join the TALK TIBET VIGIL!
It is the responsibility of all Wellington Tibet supporters to reinforce the message to President Jiang that no
matter where he goes in the world, he will be confronted with the desperate issues regarding Tibet.
If there is anything you do this year to help the Tibetan cause, remember what our PM said, "grasp the
opportunities" and show your support for Tibet during Jiang Zemin's visit!
We believe the State Visit information we received is accurate - but this may change. Please contact me closer
to these dates to check if we have discovered any changes to Jiang Zemin's visit schedule that may alter the
time, day or venue of the TALK TIBET VIGIL!
On behalf of the local committee, Rick Sahar, Chairperson, Friends of Tibet, Wellington