PEOPLE: BJORK

“i have been asked by many for a statement after dedicating my song “declare independence” to both kosovo and tibet ( amongst others ) on different occasions. “

“i would like to put importance on that i am not a politician, i am first and last a musician and as such i feel my duty to try to express the whole range of human emotions. the urge for declaring independence is just one of them but an important one that we all feel at some times in our lives. this song was written more with the personal in mind but the fact that it has translated to its broadest meaning, the struggle of a suppressed nation, gives me much pleasure

i would like to wish all individuals and nations good luck in their battle for independence. “

justice !

warmth , björk.

www.bjork.com

Bjork’s Cry for Tibet Draws Ire of Chinese Government,

AP Says By Mark Schoifet

March 7 (Bloomberg) — China plans to crack down on foreign performers after the Icelandic singer Bjork yelled “Tibet, Tibet” at the end of her concert in Shanghai this week, the Associated Press reported. Bjork’s comments “broke Chinese law and hurt Chinese people’s feelings,” the Culture Ministry said in a statement today, according to AP. The singer’s actions drew rare attention inside China to the government’s 58-year rule over the Himalayan region, AP said. China’s often harsh treatment of Tibet has drawn frequent condemnation from foreign governments and activists, the wire service said.

Many Tibetans consider the exiled Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to be their rightful leader. The government statement, posted on the Culture Ministry’s Web site, also said “there is no country that admits that Tibet is an `independent country.”’ Bjork shouted “Tibet” after performing the song “Declare Independence” on March 2. The quirky singer, known for her odd outfits and unorthodox vocal stylings, has performed the song to support Kosovo and other independence movements in the past, AP said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Mark Schoifet in New York at
mschoifet@bloomberg.net / www.bloomberg.com