Just in case you missed the news last week, an American climber
hoping to scale Everest was sent back to Kathmandu after a security
check at base camp found a Tibetan banner in his pack.
The incident is the latest in a controversial series of measures
surrounding China's expedition to carry the Olympic torch to the
summit of Everest. China has put massive pressure on it neighbour,
Nepal, to introduce stringent security measures to minimise any
chance of a pro-Tibetan protest on the Nepalese side of the world's
highest mountain.
That means that not only is the Tibetan side of Everest closed to
climbers this season, but on the Nepalese side, soldiers and police
are in station on Everest with climbers not permitted beyond Camp 2
until 10 May or possibly later depending on the timing of the Chinese
attempt on the summit.
New from climbers on the mountain is sparse since satellite phones
have been confiscated from expeditions and, according to
MountEverest.net, can be used only on certain days and under close
supervision.
This explains how, for example, Rannulph Fiennes - above - has
been able to send back update from his Team Marie Curie attempt on
the mountain to his web site at www.everestchallenge.org.uk
- he has now reached Camp 2 - but with no mention of the
restrictions imposed on climbers.
Of course the plight of a few wealthy western adventurers on the
world's highest mountain is insignificant compared to the cultural
genocide taking place in Tibet under Chinese rule, but hopefully the
actions of the Nepalese government will draw attention to the
situation from a different angle.
For more information see www.freetibet.org
