New Head of Office of Tibet Geneva

Dear All,

In recent years the Chinese government is exerting increasing pressure on governments in Europe on the issue of Tibet. This development requires more concerted efforts by the Tibetans and our friends in Europe in order to ensure that the voice of the Tibetan people continues to be heard and counted. As a result, the Kashag, the Cabinet of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile has announced the reshuffle of a number of representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at various Offices of Tibet abroad.

Against this background, I have been relieved from the responsibility of heading the Office of Tibet in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. Tseten Samdup is appointed as my successor. He is taking over the responsibility for the Tibet Bureau Geneva on March 31, 2008.

Mr. Tseten Samdup (photo right) joined the service of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in 1985 and served until 2000. His last posting was at the Office of Tibet, London, where he gained a lot of experience in dealing with governments, parliaments, Tibet Support Groups, the media in nine years of service.

Many years back in Dharamsala I met Mr. Tseten Samdup the first time as a dedicated, enterprising and energetic young Tibetan civil servant. I have no doubt that his assignment as the head of the Tibet Bureau, Geneva will add significantly to the strength of the Tibetan Government’ presence in Europe and in Switzerland in particular. I request you to render the best possible cooperation and assistance to Mr. Tseten Samdup.

The recent protests in Tibet are a clear sign of the worsening and desperate situation in Tibet. Since the imposition of martial law in Tibet in 1989 the Chinese authorities have pursued a policy of “merciless repression” of the slightest sign of dissent to its policies and rule. Despite the intense and tight surveillance and control protest has been spreading throughout Tibetan areas.

The Chinese Communist regime is one of the harshest dictatorships in the world. We cannot leave these brave Tibetans to the mercy of this dictatorship. Their only source of hope and protection are the voice of the worldwide Tibet movement in the free world and the conscience of the international community. We must not fail to match the courage of the Tibetans inside Tibet with our sense of responsibility and solidarity. It is time to act. Each one of us in our own way, in our own environment and according to own ability and possibility.

When we act, we must do so without abandoning the principles of the Tibetan freedom movement. The principles of the Tibetan freedom movement are non-violence, truth and democratic ideals.

I will continue to work in Europe and will focus my time and energy on relations with governments in Europe, engagement with the Chinese government with Special Envoy Kasur Lodi Gyari and on the work of the Tibetan Task Force on Negotiations. I am pleased that Mr. Tenzin D. Sewo will continue to assist me my assignment. We both are grateful for your continued cooperation, assistance and support.

With my best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Kelsang Gyaltsen
Envoy of H. H. the Dalai Lama