March 1, 2008 | Correspondance

Crisis in Tibet and the Olympics

Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Harper,

On behalf of the Canadian Polish Congress , I would like to join the thousands of requests that you have already received and ask you as the Prime Minister of a multicultural country where many Tibetans live, to please use your influence to assist the members of this country in their plight.

Just as the European Union is deeply concerned about the ongoing reports of violence and unrest in Tibet and has conveyed it deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims as well as urging clarification of the situation from the Chinese government should not Canada as one the G – Seven Nations and the United Nations at least request the same?

We join in the voices of our fellow Canadians of Tibetan origin and request that you take a formal stand on this matter and like the Canada Tibet Committee is asking, consider the following:

That the Canadian government support the Dalai Lama's call for a United Nations team of investigators to visit Tibet as soon as possible.
Although I do believe that Canada should not boycott the Olympic Games, because that reinforces the unfortunate use of the Olympic Games as a political stage (currently and in the future), and unfairly punishes the thousands of athletes who have spent many years preparing for a once in a life time opportunity - I do believe that all political leaders and other prominent persons who have accepted an invitation to attend the Olympic Games should withdraw their acceptance.

I thank you for your assistance in the matter and look forward to your immediate response to this situation, as are most Canadians.

Sincerely,

Wladyslaw Lizon
President
Canadian Polish Congress