International Media tour Lhasa

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-28-2008 13:16

A group of reporters from China and abroad have begun a three-day trip to Lhasa.

The journalists, from 19 media organizations including the Associated Press, Britain's Financial Times and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, are in the Tibetan capital at the invitation of the State Council Information Office. They are there for comprehensive media coverage of the recent riots in the region.

The reporters began their coverage by visiting a Tibetan medical clinic that had been attacked in the riot near the Jokhang Temple square in downtown Lhasa.

The reporters began their coverage by visiting a Tibetan medical clinic that had been attacked in the riot near the Jokhang Temple square in downtown Lhasa. Director Chamdoi and other staff of the clinic managed to protect the patients by immediately shutting the gate. They also helped more than 30 business owners escape from the violence.

The well-known Jokhang Temple and its surrounding areas were among the worst hit by the wave of rioters, looters and arsonists.

Jokhang Temple administrator Ngawang Qoizha said, "The violent riots were plotted by a small group of people whose aim is to sabotage China's stability and unity. Everybody knows that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times. This is the truth acknowledged by most countries."

The reporters were also taken to the Yishion clothing store where five sales assistants were burned to death in an arson attack by the rioters. The victims were all aged around 20.

Tang Qingyan, owner of Yishion Clothing store, said, "I found the girls first. They had already suffocated to death by the time I saw them."

Residents who lost their businesses or homes received immediate aid from the local government. Around 800 of them are currently being assisted.

Basang, head of Lhasa Rescue and Management Station, said, "The government takes care of their food, accommodation, transport and medical care."

During the March 14th riots, more than 200 policemen and soldiers were injured while protecting civilians. At a hospital in Lhasa, the reporters spoke to a young soldier, who was seriously wounded.

During the March 14th riots, more than 200 policemen and soldiers were injured while protecting civilians. At a hospital in Lhasa, the reporters spoke to a young soldier, who was seriously wounded.

Liu Dingwei, soldier of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, said, "I forgive the rioters, because if they realized the true nature of the Dalai clique, they wouldn't have done this."

The journalists were also expected to visit many shops, banks and residential buildings damaged during the riots.

Editor:Zhang Ning