It was an attempt to create some sort of dialogue between the two parties, and went off smoothly.
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
Smiling Avaaz members pass the Dalai Lama's handshake toward the Chinese Embassy
In an attempt to ease the troubled relationship between the Tibetans and the Chinese government, online community AVAAZ hosted an event that saw the Dalai Lama shake hands with someone at the Chinese Embassy in London, via 2,000 other people.
The tibetan leader stood in an office in Marble arch, and shook hands with an Avaaz member, who then shook hands with the next person, and so on, forming a chain of positive vibes and smiles that stretched for several Kilometres.
Walking next to the handshake, as it sent ripples of emotion through streets thronged with amazed Londoners, was a small party of young Tibetan assistants to the Lama. When the handshake eventually meandered its way to the Chinese embassy they handed a letter/ petition to the Chinese officials in what must be seen as an extraordinary act of faith and goodwill not just on the part of the Tibetan leader, but also on the part of the thousands of happy, positive Londoners who did everything they could to ensure the day went smoothly.
The atmosphere was electric, with several people visibly overcome by emotion as the handshake swept past. It was a day that made me feel proud to live in the capital.
I was lucky enough to be one of the 2,000 people through whom the handshake was transferred, and afterwards I documented it as it swept onwards.
Congratulations Avaaz on staging such an amazing event in a metropolis like London.
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For an edit of these images, as well as other protests I have covered and similar isssues, check out my photoblog:
http://www.billymacrae.blogspot.com These images are copyright Billy Macrae 2008 so I can retain control of how they are used, but these lo-res versions may be distributed in connection with this event.
Peace,
Billy M
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