Tibetian tension

Journalists have been drawing comparisons between the Baltics (in the early nineties) and Tibet today. Which is why it should come as no surprise that Balts are gearing up to show support for the situation.

Yesterday, a quiet protest in front of the Chinese embassy in Riga took place, uniting celebrities and commoners in a symbolic ceremony of extinguishing the Olympic Torch.

The leader of the group, Mikus Trautmanis "For Free Tibet" said that "The developments in the province of Tibet is a recurrent reminder to the residents of Latvia, that history is repeating, as Latvia was in the same situation not a long time ago,".

A minute of silence to commemorate the people deceased in Tibet and symbolic establishment of Latvian-Tibetan Way by joining hands are planned as well.

A Latvian NGO was set up by seven doctors to publicly express support for Tibet's efforts to gain religious and cultural independence and will call on UN officials to asses the recent events and to urge Chine to pull forces out of Tibet.

The NGO also plans to invite the Dalai Lama to Latvia showing support for him as an important spiritual leader in today's world.

These events culminated this week when a group of Latvians planning to climb Mount Everest this year was brought to an end by Chinese authorities who have shut down the base camps to any foreign visitors.