The Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho says China Government has adopted peaceful means to normalise situation following Tibetans riots which claimed eighteen lives since March 14 this year.

Addressing local media at the press briefing held at the Chinese Embassy on Thursday, Mr. Qiu Bohua said only a handful of Tibetans ware making violent demonstrations in protest against hosting of Olympic Games.

Mr. Bohua said those Tibetans who are involved in riots are not even living in that province and just want to distabilise China and are destroying property and looting in the process.

'The government has helped to hospitalize over 380 wounded civilians, offered special compensation to 18 innocent civilians killed during the unrest, provided relief for the poor and repaired power, communication and public facilities damaged during the unrest,' he remarked.

Mr. Bohua said China has also decided to exempt shops burnt or looted during the unrest from certain taxes and fees in the following two years, and has provided them with discount loans and other favourable policies to help them reopen soon.

'For the time being, social order of the Lhasa city has returned to normal,’ he added.

He pointed out that perpetrators of the riots want to dent China's image and to disrupt preparations made thus far for the forth coming Olympic Games.

The Chinese Ambassador said Olympic Games are not meant for only China but the rest of developing countries like Lesotho.

He noted that Lesotho will also send its athletes led by the Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation Mrs. 'Mathabiso Lepono.

Mr. Bohua referred to the 'Olympic Torch' which seems to be the target of the people behind the riots as the 'Holy Torch' for all the people all over the world and that it is travelling throughout the world to sensitize communities about the forth coming Olympic Games, and in Africa, it will only get to Tanzania.

He denied accusations that China does not respect human rights, saying there is freedom of speech and expression in that country, adding that where there might be shortcoming, they are working hard to improve them.

Speaking about that country's preparations for the Games, he said the national stadium, built like a bird's nest where the Olympic Games will be held is nearing completion as well as a modern pool and reassured the Olympians that China will hold good and peaceful Games.

On the other hand, Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ts'epo Hlojeng said they are concerned about the riots and violent demonstrations in China ahead of the Olympic Games.

He hoped for speedy resolution of whatever might be the reason behind the riots so as to allow athletes to focus on their preparations for the Games.

Furthermore, he said they will be monitoring the situation to ensure safety and security that the athletes’ lives will not be at risk during the Games.

Mr. Hlojeng said a member of LNOC and another official from the Ministry of Home Affairs will be attending a Security conference in China from April 25 to 26, which will ensure that peace and stability prevail during the much awaited internationally acclaimed Games.

Thus far, only four distance runners Tsotang Maine, Mabuthile Lebopo and Moeketsi Mosuhli as well as 'Mamoroallo Tjoka have qualified for this year's Olympic Games.

Source: LENA 17/04/2008