DR. LOBSANG SANGAY: Firmly committed to non-violence

Dharamsala, January 2, 2013: To review the deepening political crisis in Tibet specifically the tragic spate of self-immolations, a two-day meeting of the Task Force was held in Dharamsala from January 1 this year.

The delegates discussed the urgent need for peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet. The meeting also discussed the changes in the Chinese leadership and their implications on the Tibetan issue.

The Tibetan PM-in-Exile Dr. Lobsang Sangay said, “Substantive assessments were made by the  participants on the genesis of the Tibetan dialogue process, its future prospects and challenges, based on the situation in Tibet, China and in the international community.”

The Task Force also expressed various constructive opinions to continue the dialogue. The procedure for appointment of envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was also discussed.

Dr. Sangay said, “The Tibetan leadership remains firmly committed to non-violence and the Middle-Way Approach, and strongly believes that the only way to resolve the issue of Tibet is through dialogue. Substance being primary and process secondary, we are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue anywhere and at anytime”

He said that the Exile Tibetan community continues to appeal to Tibetans not to undertake drastic actions, including self-immolations. It welcomes the statements of concern by the United Nations and governments about the current situation in Tibet as well as their encouragement for dialogue.

The Task Force will be reconstituted with additional new members, and a meeting will be convened soon after the National People’s Congress session in March this year, when the new Chinese leadership will assume full responsibility.