Hampstead and Highgate Express - 9th March 2001             Flag flown in face of fury TOWN Hall leaders have sparked a diplomatic dust-up with the Chinese Embassy after agreeing to raise the Tibetan flag It will be the fifth year running that Camden Council has shown its support for the plight of Tibet despite pressure from the Chinese not to take part in the event. Demonstrators from the Tibetan Freedom March will present the flag to Camden mayor Heather Johnson before they walk to the Chinese Embassy, in Portland Place at midday on Saturday. China invaded Tibet more than 50 years ago and the event marks the anniversary of the suppressed 1959 Tibetan uprising. Paula Hollings, a volunteer of the Tibet Vigil, said: "The US has finally agreed to sponsor a UN motion to investigate China's human rights record, and we call upon our own government to honour our obligation to Tibet and co-sponsor it. "Camden seemed like the natural place to hold the ceremony because of the strong connections many Tibetans have with the area. A Chinese Embassy spokesman said: "We are indignant at Camden Council's involvement in such activities which severely hurts the feelings of the Chinese people."    return to What the Papers say