1. A former Japanese lawmaker and other supporters of Tibetan autonomy scheduled a dinner Thursday. 2. Actor Richard Gere, who came to underscore his support for Tibetan autonomy, left Taiwan Sunday after a visit that attracted protesters and petitioners. 3. At a Bonn news conference Tuesday, he expressed hope for reopening talks with Beijing on greater Tibetan autonomy. 4. China accuses him of being a separatist, though he insists he favors greater Tibetan autonomy, not independence. 5. China accuses him of seeking independence for his homeland, but the Dalai Lama has said he would accept increased Tibetan autonomy rather than full independence. 6. China considers Taiwan a wayward province and has long fought any attempts toward Tibetan autonomy. 7. China considers Taiwan to be a wayward province and has long fought attempts to promote Tibetan autonomy. 8. From exile in India, the Nobel Peace Prize winner has led an international campaign for Tibetan autonomy. 9. From his headquarters at Dharmsala, in northern India, he has headed a nonviolent struggle for Tibetan autonomy. 10. He expressed hope for re-opening talks with Beijing on greater Tibetan autonomy. |