Bombardier is supplying China's Gormo-Lhasa (Qinghai - Tibet) railway project (note 2) with rail-cars, a deal publicly criticised for facilitating the Chinese Government's politically motivated programme to consolidate its control over occupied Tibet.

After confronting Bombardier's representatives at their stall, activists escalated the protest by performing a peaceful demonstration, illustrating Bombardier's disregard for the Tibetan people which Tibet campaigners claim violates its own Code of Ethics. The activists also distributed information to media, visitors and exhibitors. "We called upon the Infrarail delegates to support our demand that Bombardier withdraw from this project, which will contribute to what the Dalai Lama has described as cultural genocide," said Ben Martin of Students for a Free Tibet UK.

Bombardier's representatives were embarrassed by the protest, refused to engage in a dialogue with the protesters and called for security to intervene. As the protesters were escorted outside they were approached by delegates expressing their support. Activists are handing out postcards,which they urge delegates attending Infrarail to hand in to Bombardier's stand.

The annual Infrarail exhibition is a major event for the rail industry. "It is crucial that the industry is aware of Bombardier's involvement in such a controversial and damaging project. Bombardier is ignoring core industry values in the pursuit of its own commercial interests" said Yael Weisz-Rind of Free Tibet Campaign.

Notes to Editors:
(1) Bombardier leads a consortium in a contract worth $78 million to supply railcars to the Qinghai-Tibet (Gormo-Lhasa) Railway. For further information on Gormo-Lhasa railway project and its implications for Tibet and the Tibetan people see: www.freetibet.org/campaigns/railway and
www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?list=type&type=62

(2) The Dalai Lama stated that ``Some kind of cultural genocide is taking place`In general, a railway link is very useful in order to develop, but not when politically motivated to bring about demographic change." taken from a report by John Miller, Associated Press on 11 September 2005.

Source: Phayul