Kalon Tripa - 25 April 2008
Press Statement by Kalon Tripa on Xinhua report of China's
wishing to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama's envoys
We have seen the Xinhua report of April 25, 2008 of the
Chinese government wishing to meet with His Holiness the Dalai
Lama's envoys. His Holiness the Dalai Lama for a long time,
especially since 10 March of this year, wanted to reach out to
the Chinese people and the leadership. His Holiness the Dalai
Lama has always wanted to resolve the issue of Tibet through
face to face discussions with the Chinese authorities.
Throughout the present crisis in Tibet, we have maintained
contact with the Chinese authorities, not only to share our
deepest concerns at their repressive measures to deal with the
development in different parts of Tibet, but more importantly to
provide suggestions to resolve the crisis. His Holiness even
sent a personal communication to President Hu Jintao as early as
March 19, 2008 wherein he had even offered to send
representatives to help calm the situation.
The immediate greatest concern for His Holiness and the
Tibetan leadership continues to be the fate of the Tibetans and
in this regard His Holiness the Dalai Lama's envoys have been in
regular touch with their counterparts, including exploring the
possibilities of early meetings, to address this issue.
We feel it will require normalcy in the situation in the
Tibetan areas for the formal resumption of the talks and we are
committed to take all steps, including informal meetings, to
continue in bringing about this. It is our position that for any
meeting to be productive it is important for the Chinese
leadership to understand the reality and acknowledge the
positive role of His Holiness the Dalai Lama rather than
indulging in vilification campaign that is even contained in the
same Xinhua report.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche
Kalon Tripa
Central Tibetan Adminsitration
Dharamsala, India
Tel: +91 1892 222218/ 222713/223546
Fax: +91 1892 224914
H. H. the Dalai Lama - 24 April 2008
AN APPEAL TO ALL CHINESE SPIRITUAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Today I would like to make a personal appeal to all Chinese
spiritual brothers and sisters, both inside as well as outside
the People’s Republic of China, and especially to the followers
of the Buddha. I do this as a Buddhist monk and a student of our
most revered teacher, the Buddha. I have already made an appeal
to the general Chinese community. Here I am appealing to you, my
spiritual brothers and sisters, on an urgent humanitarian
matter.
The Chinese and the Tibetan people share common spiritual
heritage in Mahayana Buddhism. We worship the Buddha of
Compassion – Guan Yin in the Chinese tradition and Chenrezig in
Tibetan tradition – and cherish compassion for all suffering
beings as one of the highest spiritual ideals. Furthermore,
since Buddhism flourished in China before it came to Tibet from
India, I have always viewed the Chinese Buddhists with the
reverence due to senior spiritual brothers and sisters.
As most of you are aware, beginning with the 10th of March
this year, a series of demonstrations have taken place in Lhasa
and across many Tibetan areas. These are caused by deep Tibetan
resentment against the policies of the Chinese government. I
have been deeply saddened by the loss of life, both Chinese and
Tibetans, and immediately appealed to both the Chinese
authorities and the Tibetans for restraint. I specially appealed
to the Tibetans not to resort to violence.
Unfortunately, the Chinese authorities have resorted to
brutal methods to deal with the development despite appeals for
restraint by many world leaders, NGOs and noted world citizens,
particularly many Chinese scholars. In the process, there has
been loss of life, injuries to many, and the detention of large
number of Tibetans. The crackdown still continues, especially
targeting monastic institutions, which have traditionally been
the repository of ancient Buddhist knowledge and tradition. Many
of these have been sealed off. We have reports that many of
those detained are beaten and treated harshly. These repressive
measures seem to be part of an officially sanctioned systematic
policy.
With no international observers, journalists or even tourists
allowed to Tibet, I am deeply worried about the fate of the
Tibetans. Many of those injured in the crackdown, especially in
the remote areas, are too terrified to seek medical treatment
for fear of arrest. According to some reliable sources, people
are fleeing to the mountains where they have no access to food
and shelter. Those who remained behind are living in a constant
state of fear of being the next to be arrested.
I am deeply pained by this ongoing suffering. I am very
worried where all these tragic developments might lead to
ultimately. I do not believe that repressive measures can
achieve any long-term solution. The best way forward is to
resolve the issues between the Tibetans and the Chinese
leadership through dialogue, as I have been advocating for a
long time. I have repeatedly assured the leadership of the
People’s Republic of China that I am not seeking independence.
What I am seeking is a meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan
people that would ensure the long-term survival of our Buddhist
culture, our language and our distinct identity as a people. The
rich Tibetan Buddhist culture is part of the larger cultural
heritage of the People’s Republic of China and has the potential
to benefit our Chinese brothers and sisters.
In the light of the present crisis, I appeal to all of you to
help call for an immediate end to the ongoing brutal crackdown,
for the release of all who have been detained, and to call for
providing immediate medical care to the injured.
The Dalai Lama
Hamilton, NY
April 24, 2008
Kalon Tripa - 18 April 2008
Press statement by Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, on
the Situation in Tibet
Deteriorating situation in Tibet and fear of worse to come
in days ahead
Since 10th March 2008, there have been widespread protests in
all areas of U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo, including in various cities
of China where Tibetans live. These protests are the outburst of
dissatisfaction and deep-rooted resentment perpetuated in the
hearts of the Tibetan people for the last five decades by
excessive repression and mishandling of peaceful protests by
small number of monks and lay people in several places in and
outside "TAR" on 10th March 2008.
10th March is a historic day for the Tibetan people. Every
year there is some kind of peaceful demonstration, which does
not continue beyond that day. But this year protests continued
in the succeeding days due to unnecessary repressive measures
and use of force.
If the objective of using force by the Chinese authorities is
to maintain peace and order in Tibet, they could have achieved
it within a day. But normalcy did not return even after more
than five weeks and more protests and repressive measures are
happening day after day. This arouses the suspicion about the
intentions of the Chinese authorities. Among the many suspicious
incidents, the following are conspicuous:
- On 14th March, unusual unrest was allowed in Lhasa for
several hours without the authorities taking any preventive
measures.
- Most of protesters involved in violent acts on that day
were unfamiliar to the local people. In particular, there
are cases where people have seen Chinese policemen in
Tibetan dress and in monks' robes taking the leading role
during the protests.
- The Chinese authorities claim that they have found guns
and bullets at some Tibetan monasteries. This claim is based
on recovering some unserviceable country-made guns and
swords, which were offered to the chambers of the protective
deities (Gonkhang) of monasteries. And in some other cases,
the military personnel themselves brought arms and
ammunitions to monasteries. Later they claimed to have found
these in the monasteries and blame the Tibetans for
harbouring arms and ammunition in the monastic compounds.
- Chinese authorities also claim that Tibetan independence
forces are planning to launch suicide attacks.
- They accuse some monks of exploding a bomb that damaged
a building in Chamdo in east Tibet. The authorities are yet
to produce any convincing evidence.
- Patriotic re-education campaign is re-launched and
monasteries and households are ordered to fly the Chinese
national flag on their buildings.
- Anti-Dalai Lama campaigns are being rigorously carried
out everywhere. This hurts the sentiments of the Tibetan
people most.
- The People's Republic of China (PRC) is carrying out a
systematic and vigorous effort to create a rift between the
Tibetans and the Chinese people. This is being done by a
huge propaganda to fan nationalism and hatred of the "Dalai
clique" amongst the Chinese people.
These acts do not help in restoring mental peace and social
order in Tibet. On the contrary, these acts are considered
highly provocative by the Tibetans because they hurt them the
most. All these acts appear to be aimed to undermine the Tibetan
people's tolerance and provoke them into violent retaliation.
They also indicate that various agencies of the PRC have plans
to carry out more bombing and other destructive activities and
put the blame on the innocent Tibetans for such actions.
We are deeply concerned by the ongoing repressive action
such as brutal beatings, torture, killings, deprivation of
essential foods and drinking water, which lead to the starvation
of concerned Tibetans. We are also very much concerned that such
repressive action may continue for many more months to come.
Tibet is virtually sealed off and in a short period, the
Chinese authorities will destroy all evidence by executing the
innocent Tibetans. The international community must intervene
immediately and persuade the PRC authorities to end these
atrocious acts.
The vexed situation in Tibet has lingered because of the
ultra leftist policies adopted by PRC authorities during the
year 1957/58, which led to the popular uprising on 10th March
1959. Since then the Tibetans have suffered immensely. Over a
million Tibetans perished and the situation remains troubled.
These policies were recognised as wrong and reversed in Mainland
China. But no change in policy has taken place for the Tibetan
nationality. Even now, unless the basic policy of PRC towards
the Tibetan nationality is changed, no amount of force can keep
the Tibetan people under control.
The PRC leadership on one hand demand that His Holiness the
Dalai Lama use his influence to restore normalcy in Tibet. On
the other hand they have not created any space or channel to
allow His Holiness the Dalai Lama to use his influence in Tibet.
On the contrary, the Chinese leadership have stepped up their
anti - Dalai Lama campaign throughout Tibet.
The PRC leadership refuse to find out the root cause of
unrest in Tibet and make efforts to remove the cause. On the
contrary they are aggravating the problem by various means. This
is a clear indication that they do not want to have peace and
stability in Tibet.
We, therefore, urgently appeal to the international
community to take effective and immediate actions to prevent the
PRC from indulging in such brutal acts against the Tibetan
people and to stop their policy of systematic cultural genocide
in Tibet.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche
KALON TRIPA
Dated: 18th April 2008
Kashag - 10 April 2008
Appeal from the Kashag
Since March 10, 2008 Tibetans in all the three provinces of
Tibet; Kham, Admo, and Utsang, have been peacefully protesting
the unjust and repressive policies of Chinese government, even
at the cost of their lives. Similarly, those Tibetans living
outside of Tibet, wherever they are have all initiated peaceful
campaigns in solidarity with our brethrens in Tibet and to
protest the brutal Chinese crackdown of Tibetan demonstrators.
The Kashag and the Tibetan Solidarity Committee and
particularly His Holiness the Dalai Lama have, since the
beginning, appealed to all that whatever campaigns they initiate
it should be non-violent and peaceful. We are proud to say that
majority of the Tibetan people have responded to this appeal
favourably.
The Kashag would once again like to strongly appeal to all
quarters of the Tibetan Diaspora to desist from any kind of
violent methods, particularly to respect the law of host country
and to ensure that the sentiments of the people of this nation
are not hurt by our actions when the Olympic Torch relay passes
through India on April 17, 2008.
The Kashag
April 10, 2008
Kashag - 9 April 2008
Urgent appeal from the Kashag
According to press report of 2nd April, Mr. Zhang Qingli,
Party Secretary of TAR, is quoted to have stated that all those
involved in the recent "riots" in Tibet will be tried and
sentenced with strictest measures by the end of April.
According to information available, Mr. Zhang Qingli at a
meeting attended by distric level and above communist party
cadres, including government officials, declared that the
authority is to adopt four quick procedures which include quick
order, quick arrest and quick trial. With these orders in place
it is very obvious that the authorities in Tibet intend to
exercise quick summary trial without proper legal procedures and
carry out executions. In fact out of over 100 monks from Ramoche
, 70 monks have already been arrested on 07 April.
Therefore, we urgently appeal to the international legal
bodies and governments to help save the lives of those arrested
and ensure proper legal trials.
Due to very strict restriction on movements, Tibetan
particularly in the monasteries are unable to get food supplies.
Therefore, we also appeal for help to ensure that those confined
in the monasteries where shortage of food is causing great
suffering, and may cause death due to hunger are supplied with
timely provision of food and other required needs. In fact,
there has already been a death in Lhasa due to desperations from
hunger.
KASHAG
H. H. the Dalai Lama - 6 April 2008
Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to All Tibetans
Video / Audio
 While
extending my warm greetings to all the Tibetans in Tibet, I
would like to share some of my thoughts.
1. Since March 10 this year, we have witnessed protests and
demonstrations in almost all parts of Tibet, even in a few
cities in Mainland China by students, which are the outburst of
long pent-up physical and mental anguish of the Tibetans and the
feeling of deep resentment against the suppression of the rights
of Tibetan people, lack of religious freedom and for trying to
distort the truth at every occasion, such as saying that
Tibetans look towards the Chinese Communist Party as the "Living
Buddha", is an ultra leftist statement and smacks of Han
chauvinism. I am very much saddened and concerned by the use of
arms to suppress the peaceful demonstrations of Tibetan people's
aspirations that have resulted in unrest in Tibet, causing many
deaths, and much more causalities, detention, and injury. Such
suppression and suffering are very unfortunate and tragic which
will reduce any compassionate person to tears. I, however, feel
helpless in the face of these tragic incidents.
2. I pray for all the Tibetans as well as Chinese who have
lost their lives during the current crisis.
3. The recent protests all over Tibet have not only
contradicted but also shattered the People Republic of China’s
propaganda that except for a few "reactionaries", the majority
of Tibetans enjoy a prosperous and contented life. These
protests have made it very clear that Tibetans in the three
provinces of Tibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harbor the same
aspirations and hopes. These protests have also conveyed to the
world that the Tibet issue can no longer be neglected. These
protests highlight the need to find a way to resolve the issue
through "finding truth from facts". The courage and
determination of those Tibetans who have, for the greater
interests of Tibetan people, demonstrated their deep anguish and
hopes by risking everything is very commendable as the world
community has acknowledged and supported the spirit of these
Tibetans.
4. I deeply appreciate the acts of many Tibetan government
employees and Communist Party cadres who have, without losing
their Tibetan identity, shown grit and sense of what is right
during the present crisis. In future, I would appeal to the
Tibetan Party cadres and government employees not to look always
for their personal benefit, but to work for safeguarding the
larger interests of Tibet by reporting the real sentiments of
the Tibetan people to their superiors in the Party and try to
give unbiased guidance to the Tibetan people. 5. Presidents,
Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates,
Parliamentarians, and concerned citizens from every part of the
world have been sending clear and strong messages to the Chinese
leadership to stop the present ongoing harsh crackdown against
the Tibetan people. They have all been encouraging the Chinese
government to follow a path where a mutually beneficial solution
could be reached. We should create an opportunity for their
efforts to bring out positive results. I know you are being
provoked at every level but it is important to stick to our
non-violent practice.
6. The Chinese authorities have been making false allegations
against myself and the Central Tibetan Administration for
instigating and orchestrating the recent events in Tibet. These
allegations are totally untrue. I have made repeated appeals for
an independent and respected international body to conduct a
thorough investigation into the matter. I am sure this
independent body will uncover the truth. If the People’s
Republic of China has any basis and proof of evidence to back
their allegations, they need to disclose these to the world.
Just making allegations is not enough.
7. For the future of Tibet, I have decided to find a solution
within the framework of the People's Republic of China. Since
1974, I have sincerely remained steadfast to the mutually
beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The whole world knows this. The
Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be governed by
similar administration that enjoys meaningful National Regional
Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full
decision-making, except for matters concerning foreign relations
and national defense. However, I have said it from the beginning
that the Tibetans in Tibet have the right to make the final
decision for the future of Tibet.
8. The hosting of the Olympic games this year is a matter of
great pride to the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the
very beginning supported the holding of these Games in Beijing.
My position on this remains unchanged. I feel the Tibetans
should not cause any hindrance to the Games. It is the
legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms
and rights. On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful
to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the
minds of the Chinese people. On the contrary, we need to foster
trust and respect in our hearts in order to create a harmonious
society, as this cannot be built on the basis of force and
intimidation.
9. Our struggle is with a few in the leadership of the
People's Republic of China and not with the Chinese people.
Therefore we should never cause misunderstanding or do something
that will hurt the Chinese people. Even during this difficult
situation, many Chinese intellectuals, writers and lawyers in
Mainland China and other parts of the world have sympathized and
shown us their solidarity by issuing statements, writing
articles and offering pledges of support that is overwhelming. I
have recently issued an appeal to the Chinese people all over
the world on 28th March, which I hope you will hear and read.
10. If the present situation in Tibet continues, I am very
much concerned that the Chinese government will unleash more
force and increase the suppression of Tibetan people. Because of
my moral obligation and responsibility to the Tibetan people, I
have repeatedly asked the concerned leadership of the PRC to
immediately stop their suppression in all parts of Tibet and
withdraw its armed police and troops. If this brings result, I
would also advise the Tibetans to stop all the current protests.
11. I want to urge my fellow Tibetans who live in freedom
outside Tibet to be extra vigilant as they voice their feelings
on the developments in Tibet. We should not engage in any action
that could be even remotely interpreted as violent. Even under
the most provocative of situations we must not allow our most
precious and deeply held values to be compromised. I firmly
believe that we will achieve success through our non-violent
path. We must be wise to understand where the unprecedented
affection and support for our cause stems from.
12. As Tibet is currently virtually closed and no
international media is allowed there, I doubt my message will
reach the Tibetans in Tibet. But I hope through media and by
word of mouth, it will be passed on to the majority of you.
13. Finally, I want to reiterate and appeal once again to
Tibetans to practice non-violence and not waver from this path,
however serious the situation might be.
The Dalai Lama
Dharamsala April 6, 2008
(N.B. Translated from the Tibetan original)
Kashag - 3 April 2008
Contacts:
Mr Thubten Samphel
Mr Sonam N Dagpo
Department of Information and International Relations Central
Tibetan Administration
Ph: 01892-222510, 224957, 224662
The Kashag (Cabinet) Welcomes Chinese Lawyers in China for
Offering Legal Service to Tibetans
We are heartened and inspired to learn that a group of
Chinese lawyers based in Mainland China have offered their legal
assistance to Tibetan arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned by
Chinese authorities following the peaceful protests starting
March 10, 2008 in Lhasa and other Tibetan areas.
We are equally encouraged to note that the lawyers, while
expressing their serious concern for the well being of the
arrested Tibetans, have called upon the concerned Chinese
authorities to "obey the constitution, following the legal
procedures in dealing with the arrested Tibetans no torture
throughout interrogation and respect the independence of legal
system".
The Kashag would like to thank all those Chinese lawyers who
have taken upon themselves to protect the legal rights of the
Tibetans as well as Chinese people and have come forward to save
the arrested Tibetans from the onslaught of a regime bent on
curbing the fundamental rights of its own people to have a fair
and just legal representation.
The Kashag 3 April 2008
H. H. the Dalai Lama - 2 April 2008
An Appeal
I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the
world leaders, Parliamentarians, NGOs and members of the public
who have expressed their concern over the recent deeply
saddening and tragic events in Tibet. I am also grateful for
their efforts to persuade the Chinese authorities to exercise
restraint in dealing with the peaceful protesters, while at the
same time calling for meaningful dialogue to resolve the issue.
I believe the recent demonstrations and protests are a
manifestation of the deep-rooted resentment not only of the
Tibetan people in the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR),
but also in the outlying traditional Tibetan areas now
incorporated into Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces,
where there exist substantial communities of ethnic Tibetans.
According to reliable sources, the Chinese authorities have
deployed large contingents of troops in these traditional
Tibetan regions and have not only started to crack down heavily
on the Tibetans allegedly involved in the unrest, but also
sealed off the areas where protests have taken place.
I therefore appeal for your continued support in calling for
an immediate end to the current crackdown, the release of all
those who have been arrested and detained, and the provision of
proper medical treatment to the injured. We are particularly
concerned about the lack of adequate medical facilities, as
there are reports of many injured Tibetans being afraid to go to
Chinese-run hospitals and clinics.
I would also request you to encourage the sending of an
independent international body, to investigate the unrest and
its underlying causes, as well as allowing the media and
international medical teams to visit the affected areas. Their
presence will not only instill a sense of reassurance in the
Tibetan people, but will also exercise a restraining influence
on the Chinese authorities.
THE DALAI LAMA
April 2, 2008
Kashag - 31 March 2008
Dharamsala Refutes Charges of Being Involved in Lhasa
Protests
Calls for Investigation
The state-controlled mouthpiece of the Communist Party of
China, Xinhua News Agency, ran a story yesterday March 30 on the
"involvement of the Tibetan Government in exile and the Dalai
Lama in the recent demonstrations in Lhasa and other parts of
Tibet." The article, which was purportedly written by Yedor (Ch:
Yi duo), accused His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Department
of Security of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) for
stirring up violence and disturbance in Tibet.
The Central Tibetan Administration (TGiE) strongly refutes
the charges. These charges are concocted and premeditated with
no inkling of a truth in it. China has since the beginning of
the incident in Lhasa on March 10 started to blame it on His
Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA, without any conclusive
proof, and this article is the same. Therefore, His Holiness the
Dalai Lama and TGiE has from the very beginning urged for an
immediate and independent inquiry into the Tibetan
demonstrations from an international organization. Central
Tibetan Administration repeats its request for an independent
inquiry to ascertain the truth.
This is not the first time that China has blamed His Holiness
the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan exiles for the troubles in Tibet
that stems from China's own flawed policies and repressive
political rule.
Contacts: Mr Thubten Samphel Mr Sonam N Dagpo Department
of Information and International Relations Central Tibetan
Administration Ph: 01892-222510, 224957, 224662
H. H. the Dalai Lama - 28 March 2008
print
version (pdf)
Today, I extend heartfelt greetings to my Chinese brothers
and sisters round the world, particularly to those in the
People's Republic of China. In the light of the recent
developments in Tibet, I would like to share with you my
thoughts concerning relations between the Tibetan and Chinese
peoples, and to make a personal appeal to you all.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of life in the recent tragic
events in Tibet. I am aware that some Chinese have also died. I
feel for the victims and their families and pray for them. The
recent unrest has clearly demonstrated the gravity of the
situation in Tibet and the urgent need to seek a peaceful and
mutually beneficial solution through dialogue. Even at this
juncture I have expressed my willingness to the Chinese
authorities to work together to bring about peace and stability.
Chinese brothers and sisters, I assure you I have no desire
to seek Tibet's separation. Nor do I have any wish to drive a
wedge between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. On the contrary
my commitment has always been to find a genuine solution to the
problem of Tibet that ensures the long-term interests of both
Chinese and Tibetans. My primary concern, as I have repeated
time and again, is to ensure the survival of the Tibetan
people's distinctive culture, language and identity. As a simple
monk who strives to live his daily life according to Buddhist
precepts, I assure you of the sincerity of my motivation.
I have appealed to the leadership of the PRC to clearly
understand my position and work to resolve these problems by "seeking
truth from facts." I urge the Chinese leadership to exercise
wisdom and to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the Tibetan
people. I also appeal to them to make sincere efforts to
contribute to the stability and harmony of the PRC and avoid
creating rifts between the nationalities. The state media's
portrayal of the recent events in Tibet, using deceit and
distorted images, could sow the seeds of racial tension with
unpredictable long-¬term consequences. This is of grave concern
to me. Similarly, despite my repeated support for the Beijing
Olympics, the Chinese authorities, with the intention of
creating rift between the Chinese people and myself, assert that
I am trying to sabotage the games. I am encouraged, however,
that several Chinese intellectuals and scholars have also
expressed their strong concern about the Chinese leadership's
actions and the potential for adverse long-term consequences,
particularly on relations among different nationalities. Since
ancient times, Tibetan and Chinese peoples have lived as
neighbors. In the two thousand year-old recorded history of our
peoples, we have at times developed friendly relations, even
entering into matrimonial alliances, while at other times we
fought each other. However, since Buddhism flourished in China
first before it arrived in Tibet from India, we Tibetans have
historically accorded the Chinese people the respect and
affection due to elder Dharma brothers and sisters. This is
something well known to members of the Chinese community living
outside China, some of whom have attended my Buddhist lectures,
as well as pilgrims from mainland China, whom I have had the
privilege to meet. I take heart from these meetings and feel
they may contribute to a better understanding between our two
peoples.
The twentieth century witnessed enormous changes in many
parts of the world and Tibet, too, was caught up in this
turbulence. Soon after the founding of the People's Republic of
China in 1949, the People's Liberation Army entered Tibet
finally resulting in the 17-Point Agreement concluded between
China and Tibet in May 1951. When I was in Beijing in 1954-55,
attending the National People's Congress, I had the opportunity
to meet and develop a personal friendship with many senior
leaders, including Chairman Mao himself. In fact, Chairman Mao
gave me advice on numerous issues, as well as personal
assurances with regard to the future of Tibet. Encouraged by
these assurances, and inspired by the dedication of many of
China's revolutionary leaders of the time, I returned to Tibet
full of confidence and optimism. Some Tibetan members of the
Communist Party also had such a hope. After my return to Lhasa,
I made every possible effort to seek genuine autonomy for Tibet
within the family of the People's Republic of China (PRC). I
believed that this would best serve the long-term interests of
both the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.
Unfortunately, tensions, which began to escalate in Tibet
from around 1956, eventually led to the peaceful uprising of
March 10, 1959, in Lhasa and my eventual escape into exile.
Although many positive developments have taken place in Tibet
under the PRC's rule, these developments, as the previous
Panchen Lama pointed out in January 1989, were overshadowed by
immense suffering and extensive destruction. Tibetans were
compelled to live in a state of constant fear, while the Chinese
government remained suspicious of them. However, instead of
cultivating enmity towards the Chinese leaders responsible for
the ruthless suppression of the Tibetan people, I prayed for
them to become friends, which I expressed in the following lines
in a prayer I composed in 1960, a year after I arrived in India:
"May they attain the wisdom eye discerning right and wrong, And
may they abide in the glory of friendship and love." Many
Tibetans, school children among them, recite these lines in
their daily prayers.
In 1974, following serious discussions with my Kashag (cabinet),
as well as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the then
Assembly of the Tibetan People's Deputies, we decided to find a
Middle Way that would seek not to separate Tibet from China, but
would facilitate the peaceful development of Tibet. Although we
had no contact at the time with the PRC - which was in the midst
of the Cultural Revolution - we had already recognized that
sooner or later, we would have to resolve the question of Tibet
through negotiations. We also acknowledged that, at least with
regard to modernization and economic development, it would
greatly benefit Tibet if it remained within the PRC. Although
Tibet has a rich and ancient cultural heritage, it is materially
undeveloped.
Situated on the roof of the world, Tibet is the source of
many of Asia's major rivers, therefore, protection of the
environment on the Tibetan plateau is of supreme importance.
Since our utmost concern is to safeguard Tibetan Buddhist
culture - rooted as it is in the values of universal compassion
- as well as the Tibetan language and the unique Tibetan
identity, we have worked whole-heartedly towards achieving
meaningful self-rule for all Tibetans. The PRC's constitution
provides the right for nationalities such as the Tibetans to do
this.
In 1979, the then Chinese paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping
assured my personal emissary that "except for the independence
of Tibet, all other questions can be negotiated." Since we had
already formulated our approach to seeking a solution to the
Tibetan issue within the constitution of the PRC, we found
ourselves well placed to respond to this new opportunity. My
representatives met many times with officials of the PRC. Since
renewing our contacts in 2002, we have had six rounds of talks.
However, on the fundamental issue, there has been no concrete
result at all. Nevertheless, as I have declared many times, I
remain firmly committed to the Middle Way approach and reiterate
here my willingness to continue to pursue the process of
dialogue.
This year the Chinese people are proudly and eagerly awaiting
the opening of the Olympic Games. I have, from the start,
supported Beijing's being awarded the opportunity to host the
Games. My position remains unchanged. China has the world's
largest population, a long history and an extremely rich
civilization. Today, due to her impressive economic progress,
she is emerging as a great power. This is certainly to be
welcomed. But China also needs to earn the respect and esteem of
the global community through the establishment of an open and
harmonious society based on the principles of transparency,
freedom, and the rule of law. For example, to this day victims
of the Tiananmen Square tragedy that adversely affected the
lives of so many Chinese citizens have received neither just
redress nor any official response. Similarly, when thousands of
ordinary Chinese in rural areas suffer injustice at the hands of
exploitative and corrupt local officials, their legitimate
complaints are either ignored or met with aggression. I express
these concerns both as a fellow human being and as someone who
is prepared to consider himself a member of the large family
that is the People's Republic of China. In this respect, I
appreciate and support President Hu Jintao's policy of creating
a "harmonious society", but this can only arise on the basis of
mutual trust and an atmosphere of freedom, including freedom of
speech and the rule of law. I strongly believe that if these
values are embraced, many important problems relating to
minority nationalities can be resolved, such as the issue of
Tibet, as well as Eastern Turkistan, and Inner Mongolia, where
the native people now constitute only 20% of a total population
of 24 million.
I had hoped President Hu Jintao's recent statement that the
stability and safety of Tibet concerns the stability and safety
of the country might herald the dawning of a new era for the
resolution of the problem of Tibet. It is unfortunate that
despite my sincere efforts not to separate Tibet from China, the
leaders of the PRC continue to accuse me of being a "separatist".
Similarly, when Tibetans in Lhasa and many other areas
spontaneously protested to express their deep-rooted resentment,
the Chinese authorities immediately accused me of having
orchestrated their demonstrations. I have called for a thorough
investigation by a respected body to look into this allegation.
Chinese brothers and sisters - wherever you may be - with
deep concern I appeal to you to help dispel the
misunderstandings between our two communities. Moreover, I
appeal to you to help us find a peaceful, lasting solution to
the problem of Tibet through dialogue in the spirit of
understanding and accommodation.
With my prayers,
Dalai Lama March 28, 2008
Note: translated from the Tibetan original
Press Meeting with H. H. the Dalai Lama / Webcasts
Press Meeting with H. H. the Dalai Lama | 20
March 2008 - Dharamsala
Press Opportunity with H. H. the Dalai Lama | 18
March 2008 - Dharamsala
H. H. the Dalai Lama meets with the Media | 16
March 2008 - Dharamsala
Kashag - 27 March 2008
Central Tibetan Administration Welcomes Visit by Foreign
Reporters to Lhasa
We welcome the decision by the Chinese authorities to allow a
select group of foreign reporters to visit Lhasa. They must be
given full freedom to report on the ongoing crisis in Tibet. The
reporters must be given freedom to visit all the monasteries and
prisons in Lhasa and elsewhere in Tibet and interview Tibetans
without the presence of Chinese minders.
The Central Tibetan Administration has requested the
international community to persuade the Chinese government to
end the repressions in Tibet, to accept an international body to
look into the present crisis in Tibet, including the allegation
that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is behind the ongoing unrest
and to accept receiving an international medical team to look
after all those injured in the recent demonstrations and to
release all political prisoners, including those recently
arrested. The foreign reporters should ask the Chinese
authorities what their response is to these requests.
H. H. the Dalai Lama - 18 March 2008
CLARIFICATION
During a meeting with some
representatives of the Media this afternoon, His Holiness
repeated what he told Jonathan Mirsky of the Observer, London,
more than fifteen years ago that if the majority of the Tibetans
in Tibet resorted to violence in their freedom struggle, he
would have no option but to resign as spokesperson of the
Tibetan people.
On the issue of independence, he reiterated that what he is
seeking is meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people.
He also reminded the Media not to quote him out of context.
Chhime R. Chhoekyappa
Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
H. H. the Dalai Lama - 18 March 2008
PRESS RELEASE Contacts:
Chhime R. Chhoekyapa, Secretary Mobile + 91 (09816021879)
Tenzin Taklha, Joint Secretary Mobile + 91 (09816021813)
PRESS RELEASE
I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep
gratitude to world leaders and the international community for
their concern over the recent sad turn of events in Tibet and
for their attempts to persuade the Chinese authorities to
exercise restraint in dealing with the demonstrations.
Since the Chinese Government has accused me of orchestrating
these protests in Tibet, I call for a thorough investigation by
a respected body, which should include Chinese representatives,
to look into these allegations. Such a body would need to visit
Tibet, the traditional Tibetan areas outside the Tibet
Autonomous Region, and also the Central Tibetan Administration
here in India. In order for the international community, and
especially the more than one billion Chinese people who do not
have access to uncensored information, to find out what is
really going on in Tibet, it would be of tremendously helpful if
representatives of the international media also undertook such
investigations.
Whether it was intended or not, I believe that a form of
cultural genocide has taken place in Tibet, where the Tibetan
identity has been under constant attack. Tibetans have been
reduced to an insignificant minority in their own land as a
result of the huge transfer of non-Tibetans into Tibet. The
distinctive Tibetan cultural heritage with its characteristic
language, customs and traditions is fading away. Instead of
working to unify its nationalities, the Chinese government
discriminates against these minority nationalities, the Tibetans
among them.
It is common knowledge that Tibetan monasteries, which
constitute our principal seats of learning, besides being the
repository of Tibetan Buddhist culture, have been severely
reduced in both in number and population. In those monasteries
that do still exist, serious study of Tibetan Buddhism is no
longer allowed; in fact, even admission to these centres of
learning is being strictly regulated. In reality, there is no
religious freedom in Tibet. Even to call for a little more
freedom is to risk being labeled a separatist. Nor is there any
real autonomy in Tibet, even though these basic freedoms are
guaranteed by the Chinese constitution.
I believe the demonstrations and protests taking place in
Tibet are a spontaneous outburst of public resentment built up
by years of repression in defiance of authorities that are
oblivious to the sentiments of the local populace. They
mistakenly believe that further repressive measures are the way
to achieve their declared aim of long-term unity and stability.
On our part, we remain committed to taking the Middle Way
approach and pursuing a process of dialogue in order to find a
mutually beneficial solution to the Tibetan issue.
With these points in mind, I also seek the international
community’s support for our efforts to resolve Tibet’s problems
through dialogue, and I urge them to call upon the Chinese
leadership to exercise the utmost restraint in dealing with the
current disturbed situation and to treat those who are being
arrested properly and fairly.
Dalai Lama
Dharamsala - March 18, 2008
H. H. the Dalai Lama - 14 March 2008
Press Release
I am deeply concerned over the situation that has been
developing in Tibet following peaceful protests in many parts of
Tibet, including Lhasa, in recent days. These protests are a
manifestation of the deep-rooted resentment of the Tibetan
people under the present governance.
As I have always said, unity and stability under brute force
is at best a temporary solution. It is unrealistic to expect
unity and stability under such a rule and would therefore not be
conducive to finding a peaceful and lasting solution.
I therefore appeal to the Chinese leadership to stop using
force and address the long-simmering resentment of the Tibetan
people through dialogue with the Tibetan people. I also urge my
fellow Tibetans not to resort to violence.
THE DALAI LAMA
Dated: March 14, 2008
Kashag - 14 March 2008
Urgent Appeal
Kashag appeals to China for restraint
Dharamshala: From 10th March this year Tibetans from various
parts of Tibet (in and outside TAR) staged series of peaceful
demonstrations to express their dissatisfaction with the present
situation.Such demonstrations are clear symptoms of
discontentment among the Tibetan people with the current policy
towards them.
We are observing this with a great sense of concern and would
like to earnestly urge to the central and local authorities of
the People's Republic China to take these incidents with all
seriousness and not to take any repressive actions.We further
urge them to restore the normalcy through dialogue and
understanding of the Tibetan people's aspirations.
Samdhong Rinpoche
KALON TRIPA
14th March 2008 Dharamsala
Kashag - 14 March 2008
Statement
Kashag's statement on Chinese suppression of Tibet
protests
Dharamshala: Starting from 10th March this year, Tibetans
from all over Tibet started a series of peaceful demonstrations
to express their dissatisfaction with the Chinese policies. The
Kashag had earlier hoped that these demonstrations will stop.
However, partly due to heavy-handed response of the authorities
to these peaceful expressions that the demonstrations continued
to spread all over Tibet and the situation is getting worse.
Therefore, we are deeply concerned and have also urged the
People's Republic of China for due consideration to take these
incidents with all seriousness and not to take further
repressive actions. The situation urgently demands the attention
of the governments, parliaments and the international community
to persuade the leadership of People's Republic of China to
refrain from further repressive measures and to restore normalcy
through peaceful means.
The Kashag
14th March 2008 Dharamsala
|
