Tibetans reach out to China quake victims

In an address, Karma Chophel, speaker of the Tibetan-parliament-in-exile, said, "The Tibetan government along with other Tibetans convey their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the devastating earthquake and stand in solidarity with the Chinese people in this hour of grief and sadness."

"Similar prayer sessions were also held simultaneously in all Tibetan settlements across India, Nepal and Bhutan," said a spokesman of the Tibetan government-in-exile here.

According to latest media reports, over 71,000 people are feared to have been killed in the earthquake that struck the Sichuan province.

As a mark of respect, Chophel appealed to all Tibetans to put off protests in front of Chinese embassies until the end of May. But the speaker condemned the Chinese government's double standard towards handling of crisis in China and that in Tibet.

He said the earthquake in China drew immediate attention of all top leaders of the communist party, with Premier Wen Jiaboa and President Hu Jintao visiting the affected areas and mobilising troops to expedite relief and rescue operations.

"On the contrary, in Tibet, hundreds of Tibetans have lost their lives and have been injured. Thousands have been arrested as a result of the Chinese military crackdown on peaceful protesters."

He did not rule out Tibetans minorities being affected by the powerful earthquake.