Actor Gere Urges German Action Over China

US film star Richard Gere has urged Germany, which currently holds the European Union and G8 presidencies, to press China over human rights and Tibet.

Richard Gere, 57, a long-time advocate of the Tibetan cause, argued at a news conference that the twin presidency marks "a historic moment for Germany to step forward."

"This is a moment of great possibility for not just punishing but encouraging, China to become part of the modern world," he said. "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.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has publicly raised the broader issue of human rights with Chinese leaders, saying during a visit to Beijing last May that they are "an important issue of bilateral dialogue."

Richard Gere was in the German capital for the annual Cinema for Peace gala, which runs alongside the Berlin film festival.

It gathers together celebrities to raise funds for humanitarian organisations such as the UN Children's Fund.

Also attending was rock singer and anti-poverty campaigner Bob Geldof, who echoed Gere's call for action on China.

"It is probably the job of Germany this year, the privilege of Germany this year, to embrace China into the international norms that are expected of behaviour," Geldof said.