Richard Gere - Gere Urges Germany To Press China On Human Rights

Actor RICHARD GERE urged Germany to press China on human rights issues in Tibet at the annual Cinema for Peace gala in Berlin yesterday (12FEB07). The AMERICAN GIGOLO star, a longtime advocate of the Tibetan cause, has praised Germany for holding the European Union and G-8 presidencies and insisted the honour marks "a historic moment for Germany to step forward". Gere said, "This is a moment of great possibility for ... not just punishing but encouraging China to become part of the modern world. "Tibet should be ever-present in any discussion with China." China has exercised harsh rule over Tibet since communist troops marched into the country in 1950.