D'Elia and Mecacci, Dharamsala 10/03/2008

TIBET. RADICALS OPEN THE "FREE TIBET" MARCH IN DHARAMSALA AND BEGIN THE WORLD SATYAGRAHA FOR PEACE

March 10, 2008: in Dharamsala, the capital of the Tibetan Government in exile, the Non Violent Radical Party delegation of Sergio D'Elia, Radical Parliamentarian and Hands Off Cain Secretary, Marco Perduca and Matteo Mecacci, the Vice presidents of the Radical Party, opened the march marking the anniversary of the revolt of the Tibetan people against Chinese occupation, on March 10, 1959.
The objective of the march, that will last six months, is to reach the Chinese border this summer and get the Chinese authorities to reopen the borders and recognise freedom of movement in the year of the Olympiad.
In an interview with Radio Radicale, the non violent exponents said that Sergio D'Elia opened the march. D’Elia, wrapped in the Non Violent Radical Party’s and with the Tibetan flag in hand, shouted "The march has begun!" and led the demonstration to the road. 10,000 Tibetan activists participated, many of whom where monks.
The delegation first participated in the official demonstration of the Tibetan Government in exile where the Dalai Lama, the Council President and the President of the Parliament were interviewed. Then, at the ceremonies for non governmental organisations, Matteo Mecacci announced that the Non Violent Radical Party was taking part in the first World Satyagraha for Peace in Dharamsala. In Italy, Marco Pannella’s non violent struggle for respecting promises and the principle "pacta sunt servanda" (pacts must be respected) continued.
Sergio D'Elia, on Radio Radicale, said: "Here today starts the World Satyagraha for peace, freedom and democracy, as well as Marco Pannella’s Satyagraha for truth, justice and democracy in our country as well. We have confirmed our support for the Tibetan struggle for democracy, in China first of all, because the recognition and respect of human rights in Tibet requires the recognition and respect of human rights of Chinese citizens." (Sources: radicali.it, 10/03/2008)