Special
report: Tibet: Its Past and
Present
LHASA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The mid-March Lhasa violence
and its aftermath reduced Tibet's economic growth by 6.6 percentage points in
the first quarter, said Qiangba Puncog, chairman of Tibet's regional government.
Tibet recorded 7.6 billion yuan (about 1.1 billion
U.S. dollars) of gross domestic product in the first quarter, up 10.4 percent
year-on-year, the official told Tuesday's teleconference on Tibet's economic
performance.
In the first quarter of 2007, Tibet's economy grew 17
percent year-on-year, the highest rate in a decade.
"Although the overall economy maintained steady
growth this year, we should take measures to cushion the impact of the Lhasa
violence on the economy and strive to meet this year's growth target of 12
percent," he said.
These steps would include policies to encourage
investment and expand consumption, he said. "More importantly, we need to
restore economic and social order in the shortest time possible and create a
sound environment for investment and consumption."
The riot, which was believed to have been organized,
premeditated and masterminded by the backers of the Dalai Lama, erupted in
downtown Lhasa on March 14, leaving seven schools, five hospitals and 120 homes
torched and 908 shops looted. Total damage was more than 244 million yuan.
The riot also left 18 innocent civilians and one
police officer dead, and 382 civilians and 241 policemen were injured.
Thirty people have been jailed over the violence,
getting terms ranging from three years to life.
Interview: "China's policy in Tibet
very successful"
NEW DELHI, May 6 (Xinhua) -- "I have seen an
economically-developed Tibet and the Tibetans are living and working in peace
and contentment. China's policy in Tibet is very successful," said Seema
Mustafa, a renowned Indian political commentator. Full story
U.S. journalist commends China's
efforts to develop Tibet, preserve its culture
WASHINGTON, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government
has made impressive efforts to bring Tibet to the modern world of the 21st
century and preserve its traditional culture, a U.S. journalist said on Sunday.
Full story
Tibetologist: 14th Dalai Lama
political figure bent on "Tibet independence"
NEW YORK, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The 14th Dalai Lama, described
as a "spiritual leader" by some Western media outlets, is actually a political
figure who has never given up "Tibet independence," a Tibetologist said here
Friday. Full story
