Dharamshala: Former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam paid a courtesy call upon His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence in McLeod Ganj on 2 January.

His Holiness had earlier gone down to Gaggal airport to receive the former President and escort him to his residence.

The two mutual admirers of each other exchanged their thoughts with each other during the 45-minute meeting.

Kalon Tripa Prof Samdong Rinpoche was present at the airport to welcome the former president.

–Report filed by office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Dharamshala: The Kashag said Wednesday it would remain steadfast to follow the Middle-Way policy with great confidence, strengthen the level of dialogue with the Chinese people and create awareness to the international community about the memorandum on genuine autonomy for all Tibetans.

Tibetans in Dharamsala on Wednesday commemorated the confluence of the nineteenth anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the International Human Rights Day, and the Himalayan Festival.

While addressing the gathering, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche said: “We complied by delivering a detailed explanation in writing of how the provisions of a genuine autonomy as stipulated in the constitution of the People’s Republic of China and its Law on National Regional Autonomy could be implemented, thus clearly demonstrating to the world the position of the two sides.”

Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari addresses the gathering.

“This, we believe, will serve as a definite agenda if in the future dialogues were to be continued between the two sides. And even if dialogues do not take place for the time being, nobody can speculate on or distort the real intentions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama because the Chinese people and the international community have been clearly informed of his intentions,” Kalon Tripa added.

“Therefore, the entire responsibility for the future status of our dialogues, irrespective of what it is going to be, lies squarely on the Chinese leaders. The Tibetan side has already made all the required clarifications and brought a process of dialogue that began in 2002 to its logical conclusion,” Kalon Tripa said.

Kalon Tripa said: “The door of dialogues always open should the leaders of the People’s Republic of China be willing to continue discussions on the memorandum we submitted.”

Kalon Tripa said the support given to the Middle-Way Appraoch by the overwhelming majority of Tibetan people during the historic special general meeting held in Dharamshala, clearly demonstrated the enlightened political vision and understanding and the firm stance and unified force of the Tibetan people at the grassroots level.

Rendition of Nobel Peace Prize song by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts felicitating His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

It also showed that our democratic process has reached a high point of maturity, for the Tibetan people partook in the Special Meeting with a sense of responsibility within themselves, Kalon Tripa added.

The deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Mrs Dolma Gyari, appealed to the government of India and the countries who respect human rights to extend their continued support for the Tibetan cause.

Mrs Gyari expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the international community, including governments and parliaments and common people, for supporting the Middle-Way policy of the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve the issue of Tibet.

A battery of dignitaries of the Central Tibetan Administration, including the Chief Justice Commissioner, Justice Commissioners, members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, members of the Kashag, heads of the automonous bodies and secretaries of the departments attended the function.

The full text of Kashag’s Statement follows:

The Statement of the Kashag on the Nineteenth Anniversary of the Conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Today, as we commemorate the confluence of the nineteenth anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the International Human Rights Day, and the Himalayan Festival, the Kashag extends its warm regards and greetings to the Tibetans in and outside Tibet, as well as to all the peace-loving people of the world.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has not only guided the people of the world onto the path of peace and non-violence, the essence of which is loving kindness and compassion as shown by the teachings of the Lord Buddha; but also transformed the entire movement of Tibetan people for greater freedoms in Tibet into a complete non-violent endeavour. In order to show all the impartial people’s genuine respect and admiration for these great deeds, His Holiness has been bestowed with the world-renowned Nobel Prize for peace. As we commemorate today the nineteenth anniversary of the conferment of this peace prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration, on behalf of the Tibetans in and outside Tibet, makes obeisance to His Holiness and prays that he may live long for the benefit of humanity in general and the suffering people of Tibet in particular. The Kashag also implores him to continue his meritorious services in the religious and secular fields as before.

The past year has been the most significant and turbulent period in the forty-nine years of our exile history with both positive and negative developments. On the negative side, peaceful protests that rocked Tibet since March this year were brutally suppressed, as a result of which hundreds of Tibetans have been killed and thousands incarcerated and tortured. Some areas of China and Tibet suffered natural catastrophes such as snowstorms, flood and earthquakes. His Holiness the Dalai Lama had to undergo a medical treatment due to slight indisposition. On the positive side, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, showing great health, visited many countries and perpetuated his meritorious works in the religious and secular fields. He, in particular, addressed the plenary session of the European Parliament and met with the heads of the many countries. He also received numerous awards and honorary degrees for his outstanding contribution to the welfare of humanity as a whole.

Moreover, we were able to accomplish a host of politically significant works. For example, His Holiness sent subsequent letters to many supportive world leaders, explaining the emergency situation inside Tibet; he wrote to President Hu Jintao as well. His Holiness issued messages to the Tibetans, the Chinese and the Chinese believers of various faiths, including Buddhism. The issue of Tibet generated great interest and publicity internationally while the Olympic torch made rounds across the world. Peaceful and non-violent campaigns were carried out across the globe through the Tibetan Solidarity Committee. All India Tibet Support Groups Special Meeting was organised. The envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama conducted one informal and two formal rounds of discussions with the concerned officials of the People’s Republic of China. The first Special Meeting of the Tibetan exiles was convened under the provision of Article 59 of the Tibetan Charter. His Holiness the Dalai Lama not only issued statement to the Special Meeting, but also addressed the participants after the meeting. Moreover, the International Tibet Support Groups Special Meeting was convened to solicit their suggestions on the future course of the Tibetan movement.

During the eighth round of talks, in particular, we delivered a memorandum on genuine autonomy for all Tibetans to the People’s Republic of China and an overwhelming majority of Tibetans in and outside Tibet reiterated, through the Special Meeting, their support to the Middle-Way policy. The Kashag considers these two developments of great historical significance. Because, since the re-establishment of Sino-Tibetan contacts in 2002, we have engaged in serious discussions with the People’s Republic of China based on the policy of one official channel and one agenda to determine the future of Tibet within the framework of the Chinese constitution so that all Tibetans could enjoy complete self-rule under a single administration. As a result, during the seventh round of talks the Chinese side asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama to clearly explain what he was actually seeking by saying genuine or meaningful autonomy. We complied by delivering a detailed explanation in writing of how the provisions of a genuine autonomy as stipulated in the constitution of the People’s Republic of China and its Law on National Regional Autonomy could be implemented, thus clearly demonstrating to the world the position of the two sides. This, we believe, will serve as a definite agenda if in the future dialogues were to be continued between the two sides. And even if dialogues do not take place for the time being, nobody can speculate on or distort the real intentions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama because the Chinese people and the international community have been clearly informed of his intentions. Therefore, the entire responsibility for the future status of our dialogues, irrespective of what it is going to be, lies squarely on the Chinese leaders. The Tibetan side has already made all the required clarifications and brought a process of dialogue that began in 2002 to its logical conclusion.

The current process of Sino-Tibetan dialogue has failed to produce any positive changes in China’s Tibet policy. Moreover, the situation inside Tibet is worsening by the day. As a result, not only is the Tibetan community growing more and more concerned and frustrated, but the very process of dialogue underway is being criticised from different quarters. Therefore, His Holiness the Dalai Lama invoked Article 59 of the Charter of the Tibetans in Exile to convene the first Tibetan Special Meeting, feeling that the time has come to seek mandate from the people on this issue once again. The Special Meeting was participated by about 560 delegates from all Tibetan communities across the globe, who for six days held extensive discussions by breaking themselves into fifteen groups. Out of these, eight groups supported the Middle-Way Approach by majority vote, three groups by unanimous vote and four groups recommended the Middle-Way Approach although they did not clarify as to whether it was by unanimous or majority vote.

Out of 161 written suggestions received from 50 Tibetan settlements and scattered communities, 20 monasteries and nunneries, 44 educational institutions, 25 Tibetan associations abroad and 22 Tibetan non-governmental organisations; 103 supported the Middle-Way Approach unanimously and 28 by majority vote. We were also able to collect suggestions from various parts of Tibet.

What became very clear, on the whole, was this: all of these suggestions unanimously agreed to follow the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; an overwhelming majority of these suggestions supported the Middle-Way Approach; there were other opinions expressed as well. This clearly demonstrated not just the enlightened political vision and understanding, as well as the firm stance and unified force, of the Tibetan people at the grassroots level; it also showed that our democratic process has reached a high point of maturity, for the Tibetan people partook in the Special Meeting with a sense of responsibility within themselves.

In the same vein, the International Tibet Support Groups Special Meeting strongly supported the views of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Middle-Way policy. Therefore, not only will the Central Tibetan Administration be able, now, to abide by and follow the Middle-Way policy with great confidence, but will also strengthen its constructive actions or programmes towards this end internationally. A time has come for us, in particular, to raise the level of dialogue with the Chinese people. We have, furthermore, kept the door of dialogues always open should the leaders of the People’s Republic of China be willing to continue discussions on the memorandum we submitted.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s address to the European Parliament on 4 December is an invaluable political guidance for the future of Tibet. All should, therefore, study this address carefully.

Due to the reasons cited above, we are now initiating these two campaigns with full force: circulating the memorandum on genuine autonomy for all Tibetans and creating awareness about it internationally; and strengthening dialogue with the Chinese people. We are also planning to convene a meeting of our Chinese friends at an appropriate time and in an appropriate place next year. We urge all Tibetans to take keen interest and co-operate with us in carrying out these campaigns.

In short, the issue of Tibet has reached a very crucial and critical juncture, whether one looks at it from the perspective of the strength of peaceful protests that erupted in Tibet or the outcome of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue, as well as the international political scenario. Therefore, we would like to emphatically urge all Tibetans to make all possible efforts to initiate constructive programmes, as well as work towards enhancing the Tibetan people’s collective merit, so as to ensure that the lives laid down by hundreds of our brethren in Tibet do not go in vain.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has recently spoken about our gross failure in the areas of improving education among the Tibetan people and sustaining the Tibetan settlements in exile. Keeping these concerns in view, the relevant departments of the Central Tibetan Administration are seriously considering these issues by holding extensive discussions among themselves. The Kashag would like to urge the Tibetan people at the grassroots level to take keen interest and co-operate in the implementation of whatever plans or programmes these departments will come up with in the near future.

The Kashag would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of India, as well as Tibet supporters across the globe, for their assistance and co-operation in enabling over hundred thousand Tibetan refugees, led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to freely preserve their culture and to continue their struggle for the just cause of the Tibetan people during the last almost fifty years.

Finally, we pray for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the spontaneous fulfilment of all his wishes. May the truth of the issue of Tibet prevail soon!

The Kashag
10 December 2008

N.B. This is an English translation of the original statement issued in Tibetan. If there is any difference between this and the Tibetan version, please treat the latter as authoritative and final.

Dharamshala: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who currently heads the EU’s rotating presidency, shared his concerns over the current situation in Tibet at a meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama Saturday in Gdansk, Poland.

Sarkozy said His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who welcomed him by draping a ‘khata’ or traditional Tibetan white scarf on his shoulder, had said at the meeting that he does not seek independence for Tibet. “I told him how much importance I attach to the pursuit of dialogue between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese authorities.”

Asked about the situation in Tibet, Sarkozy said: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama shared with me his worries, worries which are shared in Europe. We have had a wide discussion of this question.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Gdansk, Poland, on 6 December 2008.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama also told me of his concerns over Tibet,” Sarkozy said, adding that His Holiness “indicated how much he supported my visit to Beijing for the Olympic Games” opening ceremony.

“I am free as the French president and the EU president, I have values and convictions. Let’s not make things tense, the world doesn’t need it and it doesn’t correspond to reality,” Sarkozy added.

Addressing China’s outrage over his move to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sarkozy said: “One must approach this calmly.

“The world needs an open China that participates in global governance. China needs a powerful Europe that gives work to Chinese enterprise,” he said.

Commenting on whether EU-China relations and trade could suffer over his planned meeting with Sarkozy, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Friday remarked: “China also needs Europe.”

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy and His Holiness the Dalai Lama share their concern over the current situation in Tibet.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk also met with His Holiness Dalai Lama Saturday in the northern city of Gdansk, where as a past recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize His Holiness had been invited to ceremonies marking 25 years since Poland’s anti-communist Solidarity icon Lech Walesa received the honour.

Earlier on Saturday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama called for dialogue and compassion to solve the world’s problems.

“Warfare failed to solve our problems in the last century, so this century should be a century of dialogue,” he told delegates, including Walesa, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets European Commission (EC) President Jose Manuel Barroso (L) next to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (2nd L) during the 25th anniversary celebrations of former Polish President Lech Walesa's Nobel Peace Prize, at Baltic Philharmonic in Gdansk 6 December 2008.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also attended Saturday’s ceremonies in Gdansk.

–compiled from reports from Reuters and AFP.

Around 800 Tibetans received audience of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Thursday, 4 December, the last day of his two-day visit to Brussels.

His Holiness also told the Tibetans to abide by the laws of their host country.

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama (L), meets Belgium's Prime Minister Yves Leterme in Brussels December 3, 2008. REUTERS/Thierry Roge (BELGIUM)

Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche addressed to the Tibetans on the latest political development on the issue of Tibet.

Kalon Tripa briefed on the political developments, including the 8th round of discussions between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership, about the special meeting on Tibet held in Dharamsala, its outcome and the International Tibet Support Groups Meeting in Delhi.

Kalon Tripa also explained the voluntary contribution (Chatrel) paid by all the Tibetans in exile and the procedures to apply to obtain “Chatrel Lakdhab” or the Green Book.

Before meeting with the Tibetan community, Holiness the Dalai Lama met with the members of Tibet Inter-group at the European Parliament. His Holiness briefed them on the issue of Tibet including the latest eight round of discussions held with the Chinese leadership.

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, answers questions as he gives an interview in Brussels December 3, 2008. REUTERS/Thierry Roge (BELGIUM)

His Holiness and the members of the European Parliament deliberate on the memorandum on genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people presented to Chinese government and the opposition to the memorandum by the Chinese leadership, the special general meeting on Tibet held in Dharamsala and 3-day special International Tibet Support Groups meeting in Delhi.

Expressing solidarity with the Tibetan people and support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Middle-Way Approach, Mr Thomas Mann, President of EP Tibet Inter-group told His Holiness of their plan to go on fast for 24 hours by about 500 people, of which majority are members of European Parliament.

To appreciate their gesture His Holiness informed them that His Holiness, Kalon Tripa and members of his entourage would also join the 24-hour fasting from 3 to 4 December.

On 3 December, His Holiness met with the Belgian Prime Minister Mr Yves Leterme at his office for 45 minutes. The meeting focused on the issue of Tibet especially the contacts between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership.

A copy of the memorandum on genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people submitted to the Chinese leadership was presented to the Belgian prime minister.

Madame Joelle Milquet, the Vice-Premier of Belgian Federal Government, also called on His Holiness at Hilton Brussels and His Holiness briefed her on the latest political development on the issue of Tibet.

–Based on report filed by EU Coordination Office, Brussels.

During the visit His Holiness will also meet with representatives of Buddhist groups in Poland, hold a special prayer meeting with Archbishop Golebiewski and nuns of the historic Carmelitan Convent, and meet with members of the Tibetan Community in Poland.

During his visit to Poland, despite negative reaction from the Chinese authorities, the Tibetan leader will be met by Polish leaders and the President of France, M. Nicolas Sarkozy, on 6 December in Gdansk, where His Holiness has been invited to address a meeting of fellow Nobel Peace Laureates marking the 25th anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to former Polish President Lech Walesa. His Holiness has also been invited to Gdansk to speak at an international conference of World Forum of the Young on 5 December, which will be attended by about 1000 participants, including 100 journalists.

In Warsaw, His Holiness will meet with the Speaker of the Senate Hon. Bogdan Borusewicz, and address members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, parliament members and members of the Polish Parliamentary Group for Tibet. His Holiness will also visit the City Hall and meet with Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz and Councillors of the Warsaw City, which is organising a public talk by His Holiness on 11 December. The Mayor in her invitation to His Holiness as one of the world’s “leading moral authority” said: “I hope Your Holiness will grace Warsaw by sharing a message of peace, compassion, universal responsibility and tolerance for the benefit of the Polish people at large”.

In Krakow, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be awarded an honorary doctorate on 8 December by the Jagiellonian University, one of the most prestigious academic institutes in Poland. According to a Krakow Post report of 11 October 2007, Vice Dean Prof. Marta Kudelska of the Jagiellonian University commenting on the awarding of the honorary doctorate to His Holiness was quoted as saying: “The honorary degree granted to the Dalai Lama is in line with previous recipients such as Mother Teresa (1993) and John Paul II (1983)”. Prof. Kudelska further added that His Holiness the Dalai Lama represents “morals and values that if practiced by all of us for at least five minutes per day, would make the world a better place”.

In the southwestern Polish City of Wroclaw, His Holiness will be presented with the Honorary Citizenship by the Wroclaw City Council on 10 December, which happens to be the day when His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his efforts in leading the non-violent Tibetan struggle for freedom, and for advocating world peace and addressing global environmental issues.

The Mayor of Wroclaw, Mr. Rafal Dutkiewicz, while inviting His Holiness to Wroclaw, said: “We will be deeply honoured to welcome Your Holiness in Wroclaw … to confer the title of Honorary Citizenship of Wroclaw …. the highest and most prestigious award offered to the most imminent personalities by Wroclaw authorities”. His Holiness has also accepted the city’s invitation to give a public talk on 9 December on the topic of the Importance of Peace and Tolerance, an event targeted mainly at students and young people so that they too have the opportunity to gain from His Holiness’ universal message on peace and tolerance.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Poland is being co-ordinated by the Office of Tibet in London, the official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration for Northern Europe, Poland and the Baltic States.

Mr. Tsering Tashi, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Office of Tibet in London, said: “His Holiness’ popularity in Poland and across the world shows how His Holiness’ message of compassion, forgiveness and tolerance resonate with people everywhere irrespective of their nationality or background. In fact the organisers of the visit have informed us of the overwhelming interest to attend His Holiness’ public talks and the other events. We are also receiving many requests from the Polish and world media for interviews with His Holiness during his visit on topics ranging from the importance of inter-religious harmony to global environmental problems and the Tibet issue”.

Mr. Tashi further commented: “His Holiness’ non-violent Middle Way Approach to resolving the issue of Tibet to the mutual benefit of both the Tibetan and the Chinese peoples is being appreciated by the international community as well as increasingly, through better information and awareness, by many Chinese people who are not only showing their respect to His Holiness but also supporting the just Tibetan cause”.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Poland later this week will be the third time he has been to Poland following his earlier visits in 1993 and 2000.

–Issued by the Office of Tibet, London

Your Excellency, Mr. President, Honorable Members of the Parliament, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honour to speak before you today and I thank you for your invitation. Wherever I go, my main interest or commitment is in the promotion of human values such as warm heartedness this is what I consider the key factor for a happy life at the individual level, family level and community level. In our modern times, it seems that insufficient attention is paid to these inner values. Promoting them is therefore my number one commitment.

My second interest or commitment is the promotion of inter-religious harmony. We accept the need for pluralism in politics and democracy, yet we often seem more hesitant about the plurality of faiths and religions. Despite their different concepts and philosophies, all major religious traditions bear the same messages of love, compassion, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. They are also similar in having the potential to help human beings lead happier lives. So these two are my main interests and commitments.

Of course the issue of Tibet is also of particular concern to me and I have a special responsibility to the people of Tibet, who continue to place their hope and trust in me during this most difficult period in the history of Tibet. The welfare of the Tibetan people is my constant motivation and I consider myself to be their free spokesperson in exile.

The last time I had the privilege to address the European Parliament (EP), on October 24, 2001, I stated, “despite some development and economic progress, Tibet continues to face fundamental problems of survival. Serious violations of human rights are widespread throughout Tibet and are often the result of policies of racial and cultural discrimination. Yet, they are only the symptoms and consequences of a deeper problem. The Chinese authorities view Tibet’s distinct culture and religion as the source of threat of separation. Hence as a result of deliberate policies an entire people with its unique culture and identity are facing the threat of extinction”.

Since March this year, Tibetans from all walks of life and across the entire Tibetan plateau demonstrated against the oppressive and discriminatory policies of the Chinese authorities in Tibet. With full awareness of the imminent danger to their lives, Tibetans from all across Tibet known as Cholka-Sum (U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo), young and old, men and women, monastic and lay people, believer and non-believers, including students, came together to spontaneously and courageously express their anguish, dissatisfaction and genuine grievances at the policies of the Chinese government. I have been deeply saddened by the loss of life, both Tibetan and Chinese, and immediately appealed to the Chinese authorities for restraint. Since the Chinese authorities have blamed me for orchestrating the recent events in Tibet, I have made repeated appeals for an independent and respected international body to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, including inviting them to Dharamsala, India. If the Chinese government has any evidence to support such serious allegations, they must disclose it to the world.

Sadly, the Chinese authorities have resorted to brutal methods to deal with the situation in Tibet, despite appeals by many world leaders, NGOs and personalities of international standing to avoid violence and show restraint. In the process, a large number of Tibetans have been killed, thousands injured and detained. There are many whose fate remains completely unknown. Even as I stand here before you, in many parts of Tibet there is a huge presence of armed police and military. In many areas Tibetans continue to suffer under a state of de-facto martial law. There is an atmosphere of angst and intimidation. Tibetans in Tibet live in a constant state of fear of being the next to be arrested. With no international observers, journalists or even tourists allowed into many parts of Tibet, I am deeply worried about the fate of the Tibetans. Presently, the Chinese authorities have a completely free hand in Tibet. It is as though Tibetans face a death sentence, a sentence aimed at wiping out the spirit of the Tibetan people.

Many honorable members of the EP are well aware of my consistent efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Tibet problem through dialogue and negotiations. In this spirit, in 1988 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg I presented a formal proposal for negotiations that does not call for separation and independence of Tibet. Since then, our relations with the Chinese government have taken many twists and turns. After an interruption of nearly 10 years, in 2002 we re-established direct contact with the Chinese leadership. Extensive discussions have been held between my envoys and representatives of the Chinese leadership. In these discussions we have put forth clearly the aspirations of the Tibetan people. The essence of my Middle Way Approach is to secure genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the scope of the Constitution of the PRC.

During the seventh round of talks in Beijing on 1st and 2nd July this year, the Chinese side invited us to present our views on the form of genuine autonomy. Accordingly, on 31st October 2008 we presented to the Chinese leadership the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People. Our memorandum puts forth our position on genuine autonomy and how the basic needs of the Tibetan nationality for autonomy and self-government can be met. We have presented these suggestions with the sole purpose of making a sincere effort to address the real problems in Tibet. We were confident that given goodwill, the issues raised in our memorandum could be implemented.

Unfortunately, the Chinese side has rejected our memorandum in its totality, branding our suggestions as an attempt at “semi-independence” and “independence in disguise” and, for that reason, unacceptable. Moreover, the Chinese side is accusing us of “ethnic cleansing” because our memorandum calls for the recognition of the right of autonomous areas “to regulate the residence, settlement and employment or economic activities of persons who wish to move to Tibetan areas from other parts of the PRC.”

We have made it clear in our memorandum that our intention is not to expel non-Tibetans. Our concern is the induced mass movement of primarily Han, but also some other nationalities, into many Tibetan areas, which in turn marginalizes the native Tibetan population and threatens Tibet’s fragile natural environment. Major demographic changes that result from massive migration will lead to the assimilation rather than integration of the Tibetan nationality into the PRC and gradually lead to the extinction of the distinct culture and identity of the Tibetan people.

The cases of the peoples of Manchuria, Inner Mongolia and East Turkestan in the PRC are clear examples of the devastating consequences of a massive population transfer of the dominant Han nationality upon the minority nationalities. Today, the language, script and culture of the Manchu people have become extinct. In Inner Mongolia today, only 20% are native Mongolians out of a total population of 24 millions.

Despite the assertions by some hard-line Chinese officials to the contrary, from the copies of our memorandum made available to you it is clear that we have sincerely addressed the concerns of the Chinese government about the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the PRC. The memorandum is self-explanatory. I would welcome your comments and suggestions.

I take this opportunity to appeal to the European Union and the Parliament to use your good offices, sparing no efforts, to persuade the Chinese leadership to resolve the issue of Tibet through earnest negotiations for the common good of the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.

While I firmly reject the use of violence as a means in our struggle, we certainly have the right to explore all other political options available to us. In the spirit of democracy, I called for a Special Meeting of Tibetans in exile to discuss the state of Tibetan people and the state of the issue of Tibet and the future course of our movement. The meeting took place from November 17-22, 2008 in Dharamsala, India. The failure of the Chinese leadership to respond positively to our initiatives has reaffirmed the suspicion held by many Tibetans that the Chinese government has no interest whatsoever in any kind of mutually acceptable solution. Many Tibetans continue to believe that the Chinese leadership is bent on the forceful and complete assimilation and absorption of Tibet into China. They therefore call for the complete independence of Tibet. Others advocate the right to self-determination and a referendum in Tibet. Despite these different views, the delegates to the Special Meeting unanimously resolved to empower me to decide the best approach, in accordance with the prevailing situation and the changes taking place in Tibet, China and the wider world. I will study the suggestions made by about 600 leaders and delegates from Tibetan communities around the world, including views we are able to gather from a cross section of Tibetans in Tibet.

I am a staunch believer in democracy. Consequently, I have consistently encouraged Tibetans in exile to follow the democratic process. Today, the Tibetan refugee community may be among the few refugee communities that have established all three pillars of democracy: legislature, judiciary and executive. In 2001, we took another great stride in the process of democratization by having the chairman of the Kashag (cabinet) of the Tibetan Administration in exile elected by popular vote.

I have always maintained that ultimately the Tibetan people must be able to decide the future of Tibet. As Pundit Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, stated in the Indian Parliament on December 7, 1950: “The last voice in regard to Tibet should be the voice of the people of Tibet and nobody else.”

The issue of Tibet has dimensions and implications that go well beyond the fate of six million Tibetans. Tibet is situated between India and China. For centuries Tibet acted as a peaceful buffer zone separating the two most populated countries on earth. However, in 1962, only a few years after the so-called “peaceful liberation of Tibet” the world witnessed the first ever war between the two Asian giants. This clearly shows the importance of a just and peaceful resolution of the Tibet question in ensuring lasting and genuine trust and friendship between the two most powerful nations of Asia. The Tibetan issue is also related to Tibet’s fragile environment, which scientists have concluded, has an impact on much of Asia involving billions of people. The Tibetan plateau is the source of many of Asia’s greatest rivers. Tibet’s glaciers are the earth’s largest ice mass outside the Poles. Some environmentalists today refer to Tibet as the Third Pole. And, if the present warming trend continues the Indus River might dry up within the next 15-20 years. Furthermore, Tibet’s cultural heritage is based on Buddhism’s principle of compassion and non-violence. Thus, it concerns not just the six million Tibetans, but also the over 13 million people across the Himalayas, Mongolia and in the Republics of Kalmykia and Buryat in Russia, including a growing number of Chinese brothers and sisters who share this culture, which has the potential to contribute to a peaceful and harmonious world.

My maxim has always been to hope for the best and to prepare for the worst. With this in mind, I have counseled the Tibetans in exile to make more rigorous efforts in educating the younger generation of Tibetans, in strengthening our cultural and religious institutions in exile with the aim of preserving our rich cultural heritage, and in expanding and strengthening the democratic institutions and civil society among the Tibetan refugee community. One of the main objectives of our exile community is to preserve our cultural heritage where there is the freedom to do so and to be the free voice of our captive people inside Tibet. The tasks and challenges we face are daunting. As a refugee community, our resources are naturally limited. We Tibetans also need to face the reality that our exile may last for a longer time. I would therefore be grateful to the European Union for assistance in our educational and cultural endeavors.

I have no doubt that the principled and consistent engagement of the EP with China will impact the process of change that is already taking place in China. The global trend is towards more openness, freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. Sooner or later, China will have to follow the world trend. In this context, I wish to commend the EP for awarding the prestigious Sakharov Prize to the Chinese human rights defender Hu Jia. It is an important signal as we watch China rapidly moving forward. With its newfound status, China is poised to play an important leading role on the world stage. In order to fulfill this role, I believe it is vital for China to have openness, transparency, rule of law and freedom of information and thought. There is no doubt that the attitudes and policies of members of the international community towards China will impact the course of the change taking place in China as much as domestic events and developments.

In contrast to the continued extremely rigid attitude of the Chinese government towards Tibet, fortunately among the Chinese people – especially among the informed and educated Chinese circles – there is a growing understanding and sympathy for the plight of the Tibetan people. Although my faith in the Chinese leadership with regard to Tibet is becoming thinner and thinner, my faith in the Chinese people remains unshaken. I have therefore been advising the Tibetan people to make concerted efforts to reach out to the Chinese people. Chinese intellectuals openly criticized the harsh crackdown of Tibetan demonstrations by the Chinese government in March this year and called for restraint and dialogue in addressing the problems in Tibet. Chinese lawyers offered publicly to represent arrested Tibetan demonstrators at trials. Today, there is growing understanding, sympathy, support and solidarity among our Chinese brothers and sisters for the difficult situation of the Tibetans and their legitimate aspirations. This is most encouraging. I take this opportunity to thank the brave Chinese brothers and sisters for their solidarity.

I also thank the European Parliament for the consistent display of concern and support for the just and non-violent Tibetan struggle. Your sympathy, support and solidarity have always been a great source of inspiration and encouragement to the Tibetan people, both in and outside of Tibet. I would like to express special thanks to the members of the Tibet Inter-Group of the EP, who have made the tragedy of the Tibetan people not only a focus of their political work but also a cause of their hearts. The many resolutions of the EP on the issue of Tibet have helped greatly to highlight the plight of the Tibetan people and to raise the awareness of the issue of Tibet amongst the public and in governments here in Europe, and all around the world

The consistency of the European Parliament’s support for Tibet has not gone unnoticed in China. I regret where this has caused some tensions in EU-China relations. However, I wish to share with you my sincere hope and belief that the future of Tibet and China will move beyond mistrust to a relationship based on mutual respect, trust and recognition of common interest – irrespective of the current very grim situation inside Tibet and the deadlock in the dialogue process between my envoys and the Chinese leadership. I have no doubt that your continued expressions of concern and support for Tibet will, in the long run, have a positive impact and help create the necessary political environment for a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet. Your continued support is, therefore, critical.

I thank you for the honor to share my thoughts with you.

Brussels, 4 December 2008

Pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses European Parliament can be seen here

From Right: Ambassador Ranjit Gupta, Former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, Dr K C Agnihotri, Co-convener, Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India, Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, Justice J S Verma, former Chief Justice and former Chairman of National Human Rights Commission of India and Sonam N Dagpo, Secretary, Department of Information and International Relations, preside over the concluding session of the three-day special international Tibet support groups meeting, at Gurgaon, Delhi, on 1 December 2008.

Delhi: The Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting, held in India, the second home of the Tibetan people, concluded today with a strong call to action, condemnation of the PRC’s intransigent approach on Tibet, and an expression of solidarity with the Tibetan people at a time of crisis.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama had asked Tibet supporters attending the Special International TSG Meeting, called by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause, India, to “provide suggestions to our elected leadership on the best possible course for the realisation of the Tibetan people’s fundamental aspirations”. The gathering followed the Special General Meeting of the Tibetan People held in Dharamsala, base of the Tibetan government in exile, from 17-22 November.

The Special TSG meeting opened with one minute’s silence for those who have died in Tibet, particularly since the uprising from 10 March 2008 onwards, and for those killed in the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

More than 100 delegates from over 30 countries expressed a sense of urgency due to the brutal crackdown in Tibet and the Chinese government’s recent propaganda offensive following talks with the Dalai Lama’s representatives. Continued commitment to a non-violent approach and support for the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination was agreed.

Outrage was expressed at the Chinese government’s hardline stance against the Dalai Lama, with particular reference to lack of progress in talks with Chinese officials. Participants pledged to support Tibetans in seeking a new framework for engagement. They welcomed the fact that the Memorandum of Genuine Autonomy had been made public by the Dalai Lama’s representatives prior to the Special Meeting in Dharamsala in November.

During lively and intense debate, many delegates pressed for the Tibetan government in exile to reassess the Middle Way approach (which currently seeks genuine autonomy within the framework of the PRC) in favour of independence if there is no substantive improvement in the Tibetans’ situation in the near future and sincere engagement from the Chinese side.

Delegates to the Special International TSG Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to putting the needs and wishes of Tibetans in Tibet first. They expressed heartfelt admiration for the great courage of the Tibetan people in their peaceful resistance across the plateau since March. The protests are a rejection by the Tibetan people of Chinese rule in Tibet, expressing a resentment that has built up over nearly 60 years since China’s invasion and reached a breaking point. Through their dissent, Tibetans are conveying the message that the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile represent their interests, and not the Chinese government. The meeting expressed profound concern over the continuing suffering of the Tibetan people, now under de facto martial law, and the delegates’ solidarity with political prisoners and the families of the hundreds of disappeared.

The meeting welcomed the recent Special General Meeting of the Tibetan People, which provided opportunities for diverse opinions from the Tibetan community to be openly expressed and discussed. This was an important democratic forum that should be continued in order to strengthen Tibetan institutions and civil society in exile. Delegates noted that while the meeting was held in exile, efforts were made to ascertain the views of Tibetans in Tibet, despite an intense climate of fear and Chinese government restrictions. The Special General Meeting re-affirmed the solidarity of Tibetans from across the Tibetan plateau, just as Tibetans in Tibet from all three provinces (U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo) have demonstrated strong unity in their assertions of Tibetan national, cultural and religious identity.

Delegates highlighted the 21st century relevance to the world of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual tradition and culture, especially in terms of offering alternative ways forward for conflict resolution.

The meeting re-affirmed TSG recognition of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile as the pre-eminent and legitimate representatives of the Tibetan people. Delegates agreed to continue to work to achieve formal recognition of the Tibetan government in exile in the international community.

Delegates recognised the importance of preserving the institution of the Dalai Lama, and acknowledged that the Dalai Lama’s leadership extends to millions of Buddhists worldwide and peoples of many different countries in the Himalayas, Mongolia and beyond.

Delegates agreed to intensify their efforts in order to bring an end to the injustices in Tibet. Advocacy work with stake-holder governments in the region was discussed, including protection of vulnerable Tibetans in Nepal at a time when the Chinese government has stepped up its influence in the region. Tibet is of tremendous geopolitical significance. Delegates also agreed that awareness must be raised, particularly in Asia as a matter of urgency, about Tibet’s critical importance as the earth’s ‘third pole’ and a watershed of Asia’s great rivers affecting millions of people.

It was noted that the Chinese political campaigns have led to further unrest and increased tensions between Chinese and Tibetans. There is a risk that this could intensify further in the build-up to the 50th anniversary of the 10th March uprising in 2009. There was particular commitment at the meeting for developing new strategies for targeted outreach to the Chinese people, particularly given the upsurge in anti-Tibetan sentiment and Chinese nationalism as a result of distorted representations of the situation in Tibet by the Chinese government.

Specific suggestions and recommendations on advocacy, monitoring, campaign action, Chinese outreach and the dialogue process will be presented to the Tibetan government in exile following the meeting.

Earlier in the afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to about 3000 Compassion: The basis for happiness. The tickets for the public talk were sold out within two days in mid November. The public talk which was live webcasted on two different websites, but once crashed due to overloading.

His Holiness said the ability of compassion and open attitude to others is an important path to attaining internal peace. His Holiness also said that empathy and compassion also play a role in solving global problems, including climate change.

In the morning, internationally acclaimed Swiss born photographer Mr. Michel Comte interviewed His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. Comte’s visited Tibet in 1986 and travelled Dharamsala in June 2008 to discuss how he can assist Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute in his new project to established a new medical academy near Dharamsala.

This was followed by an audience for Italian fencer Margherita Granbassi, who won a medal in Beijing Olympic, will present her fencing mask to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 30 November in Prague. “I hope the same mask that protected me in Beijing will help him protect his people,” said Granbassi.

His Holiness met Tibetans who have travelled from Hungary and Austria. The members of the Tibet Support Groups had a group photo taken with His Holiness. He said that Tibet was going through a difficult time and need their help. His Holiness also expressed his gratitude for their support.

The Chinese government violent clampdown on peaceful Tibetan protesters since 10 March this year in Tibet, left 218 Tibetans dead, 1290 injured and 6705 arrested or detained.

The UN Committee against Torture’s forth-periodic review on China was held from 7 to 10 November in Geneva, Switzerland. In its concluding observations, the UN Committee against Torture issued a set of recommendations to China on 21 November.

The panel called for prompt, impartial and effective investigations into all allegations of torture and ill-treatment and should ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.

It asked the Chinese government to ensure that all Tibetan detainees should be provided prompt access to an independent lawyer and independent medical care and the right to lodge complaints in a confidential atmosphere, free from reprisal or harassment.

It ordered investigations or inquests into the deaths, including deaths in custody, of persons killed in the March 2008 events in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and neighbouring Tibetan prefectures and counties.

On the issue of enforced disappearance, the UN committee underlined the need to adopt all necessary measures to prohibit and prevent enforced disappearances, to shed light on the fate of missing persons, including Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and prosecute and punish perpetrators, as this practice constitutes, per se, a violation of the Convention.

Outlining follow-up measures, the UN committee against torture said it invite Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Special Rapporteurs.

The Committee of independent experts will review China’s next report on the implementation of torture convention in November 2012.

During the current review prominent former political prisoners Phuntsok Nyidron had testified before the Committee. She was tortured during her 15 years imprisonment.

Mr. Li Baodong, head of the Chinese Government delegation at the UN, reported several amendment and new regulations introduced in China’s legal system.

However, Mrs. Felice Gaer, the Committee Expert serving as Rapporteur for the reports of China and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, expressed serious information gap in the delegation’s responds. She particularly mentioned about the discrepancies between legislative protections against torture and their implementation on the ground. She expressed frustration at the lack of data on police actions against Tibetans. She held a booklet and said that it contained names of 817 Tibetans who had disappeared following the protests in Lhasa this year and demanded China provide information on their whereabouts. China stated that due to the State Secrets Law they were not able to provide details.

Ms. Gaer also demanded information on two religious figures Bishop Su Zhimin and Gendun Choekyi Nyima who had been missing or disappeared since May 1995.

In testifying before the Committee Mr. Li Baodong, said “We have zero tolerance for torture”.

Mr. Li said that he has transmitted the details of the 817 Tibetans to relevant department for verification and assured to investigate on it.

However, he expressed difficulty in verifying over 200 people in the list due to inadequate information including identity number and proper address.

With regard to specific cases including the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, he said that he will refer back to Beijing for information.

President George W. Bush and His Holiness the Dalai Lama share a laugh Wednesday, 17 Oct. 2007, during the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. White House photo by Chris Greenberg

President Bush is heading to Lima on Friday to attend Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled on 22 and 23 November.

“The president will discuss issues of human rights and religious freedom, including the ongoing dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama” on the spiritual leader’s homeland of Tibet, said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

President Bush, political leaders and the people of America have been steadfast in raising their voice in the call for religious liberty and basic human rights for the people of Tibet.

“Americans cannot look to the plight of the religiously oppressed and close our eyes or turn away. And that is why I will continue to urge the leaders of China to welcome the Dalai Lama to China. They will find this good man to be a man of peace and reconciliation,” Bush said while honouring His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the US Congressional Gold medal on 17 October last year.

“Throughout our history, we have stood proudly with those who offer a message of hope and freedom to the world’s downtrodden and oppressed. This is why all of us are drawn to a noble and spiritual leader who lives a world away. Today we honor him as a universal symbol of peace and tolerance, a shepherd for the faithful, and the keeper of the flame for his people,” he said.

In his talks with Hu, Bush also expects to discuss Iran’s suspect nuclear program, turmoil in Zimbabwe and Sudan, pressure on Burma’s military rulers to enact democratic reforms, and Beijing’s uneven rights record, said Johndroe.

Bush’s top goal was for some of the 21 APEC members to sign on to the Group of 20’s statement of principles for tackling the worldwide economic crisis, as approved in November 14-15 talks in Washington, a top aide said.

APEC comprises of the US, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

(Editor:Lobsang Choedak)

Dharamshala: Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche on Tuesday said the Central Tibetan Administration is “sincerely committed to a genuine democratic system in reflecting the Tibetan people’s opinion on the future of Tibet”.

Kalon Tripa met with a group of reporters and documentary filmmakers at his office who have gathered in Dharamsala to cover the historic special meeting on Tibet.

Speaking on the special meeting on Tibet currently under way in Dharamsala, Kalon Tripa said the atmosphere is powerful and emotionally charged as delegates are having open discussions on a wide range of matters, particularly concentrating their focus on fundamental issues of Tibet.

Some 581 representatives from the official and non-governmental organizations from the Tibetan community around the world have gathered for a landmark meeting to deliberate on determining future course of action on Tibet. The meeting has begun on Monday, 17 November and go on till 22 November.

Around 581 delegates representing official and non-governmental organisations as well as Tibetan people from the Tibetan community across the world gather to discuss a way forward on the future of Tibet.

Kalon Tripa said the delegates have mixed feeling of hopes and frustrations in finding a best way forward to resolve the issue of Tibet and over the lack of positive response from Chinese leadership and increased repressive policies being carried out in Tibet.

He said the recommendations made during the special meeting would be submitted to the Tibetan parliament, which has the supreme authority to make a final decision.

“We are sincerely committed to a genuine democratic system to reflect public opinion,” Kalon Tripa added.

Responding to a question on the present situation in Tibet, Kalon Tripa expressed concern that people are living under constant fear as heavy repressive measures continue to prevail in Tibet. He referred to reports by Australian journalist who visited Tibet that the Chinese government has imposed a heavy armed security around Tibet’s capital Lhasa.

He said he is awaiting reports from the Norwegian Parliamentary delegations over their visit to different parts of Tibet from 9 – 17 November.

Answering a question on opinions collected from the Tibetan people in Tibet, Kalon Tripa said 99 per cent of Tibetan people in Tibet, including communist party cadres and government officials, have unshakable faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On the future contacts with the Chinese government, Kalon Tripa said we are always open to continue the dialogue process with the Chinese leadership and bear no intentions to block it.

The ball is now in China’s court to reciprocate to the memorandum on the ‘genuine autonomy for Tibet’ that we have submitted to them, Kalon added.

Since I was very young, I realized that the transformation of our governance into a democratic system was of utmost importance for Tibet’s immediate and long-term interest. Therefore, after taking responsibility as the spiritual and political leader of Tibet, I worked hard to establish such a democratic set-up in Tibet. Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve it under the harsh repression of the People’s Republic of China. However, immediately after coming into exile, judicious reforms were introduced in the structure of our governance and a newly-elected parliament was constituted. Despite being in exile, the process of the democratization of the Tibetan community has made good headway. Today, the Tibetan community in exile has completely transformed into a modern democracy in the true sense of the word, having an administration with its own charter and a leadership elected by popular vote. We can be proud at this moment when the Tibetan people themselves are ready and able to take responsibility for Tibet. The reason I have persisted in encouraging the establishment of a democratic system is based entirely on the need to secure a solid and sustainable future system of governance for Tibet. This is not because I was reluctant or wanted to shirk my responsibility. It is extremely important that we take stock of history and our past experience, as well as learn from the present world situation in order to keep up our struggle. All Tibetans should uphold and strengthen the institution of the Central Tibetan Administration, by means of which we will be able to preserve the Tibetan cultural heritage in exile until the issue of Tibet is resolved.

Since coming into exile, we have exercised the essential functions of a democratic system by inviting our people to express their opinions about important political decisions on the future of Tibet. The current, mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach was formulated in the early 1970s as a result of much deliberation and discussion with leaders who represented the Tibetan people such as the Speaker of the House. Moreover, I have specifically stated in the Strasbourg Proposal that the Tibetan people will make the final decision.

After the break in contacts with the PRC in 1993, we conducted an opinion poll of the Tibetans in exile and collected suggestions from Tibet wherever possible on the proposed referendum, by which the Tibetan people were to determine the future course of our freedom struggle to their full satisfaction. Based on the outcome of this poll and suggestions from Tibet, our parliament in exile, passed a resolution empowering me to continue to use my discretion on the matter without seeking recourse to a referendum.

Therefore, until now we have followed the Middle-Way Approach and eight rounds of talks have taken place since contact with the PRC was restored in 2002. Despite this approach receiving widespread appreciation from the international community, as well as the support of many Chinese intellectuals, there have been no positive signs or changes in Tibet. Indeed, PRC policies towards Tibet and the Tibetans have remained unchanged.

After the sixth round of talks in 2007 with officials of the PRC, there were no plans to hold further talks in the immediate future. But, because of the urgency of the situation in Tibet after the events of March this year, we held informal discussions in the beginning of May, followed by the seventh and eighth rounds of talks in July and at the beginning of November, so as not to leave any stone unturned. Nevertheless, no real progress was made.

In March this year, Tibetans from the whole of Tibet known as Cholka-Sum (U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo), regardless of whether they were young or old, male or female, monastic or lay-people, believers or non-believers, including students, risked their lives by courageously expressing their long-felt dissatisfaction with PRC policies in a peaceful and lawful way. At that time I was hopeful that the PRC government would find a solution based on the reality on the ground. However, on the contrary, the Chinese government has completely ignored and rejected Tibetan feelings and aspirations by brutally cracking down on them, using the accusation that they were ’splittists’ and ‘reactionaries’ as an excuse. During those testing times, out of profound concern and a deep sense of responsibility, I exercised whatever influence I have with the international community and with China, including writing personally to President Hu Jintao. But my efforts hardly made any difference.

Since everyone was preoccupied with the issue of the Beijing Olympics, it did not seem appropriate to consult the general public at that time. Now, since the time is more appropriate, in accordance with clause 59 of the Charter for Tibetans-in-exile I have on 11th September, requested our elected leadership to convene a Special Meeting soon. It is my hope that participants will be able to gather the opinions of their respective communities and be able to present them on this occasion.

Taking into account the inspiring courage being shown by people all over Tibet this year, the current world situation, and the present intransigent stance of the government of the PRC, all the participants, as Tibetan citizens should discuss in a spirit of equality, cooperation and collective responsibility the best possible future course of action to advance the Tibetan cause. This meeting should take place in an atmosphere of openness, putting aside partisan debate. Rather, it should focus on the aspirations and views of the Tibetan people. I appeal to everyone concerned to work together to contribute as best as they can.

This Special Meeting is being convened with the express purpose of providing a forum to understand the real opinions and views of the Tibetan people through free and frank discussions. It must be clear to all that this special meeting does not have any agenda for reaching a particular predetermined outcome.

The Dalai Lama

14 November 2008

(N.B Translated from the Tibetan)

IN the ancient back alleys of Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, a grim military operation has played out this week, hidden from the eyes of the world. As night falls, hundreds of Chinese troops fan out across this rebellious city, armed with riot shields and assault rifles.

They set up sentry posts on street corners and dispatch patrols in groups of six soldiers, three with shields and three with guns.

These patrols spend the night walking down the lanes of Lhasa’s Tibetan quarter, looking for any sign of dissent. They glare at me as they pass, angry at the presence of a foreigner.

When the sun rises, the soldiers do not melt away, but are replaced by a new rotation of troops. The military stranglehold on Lhasa by day is maintained with one chilling addition ˆ snipers are installed on rooftops around the city’s most holy site, the Jokhang Temple, ready to train their guns on the hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims praying in Barkhor Square below.

Only months after the Beijing Olympics, there is no post-Games euphoria in Tibet.

Hopes of greater autonomy and freedom have been stifled by Beijing, which ˆ stung by bloody anti-Chinese riots in March and by the indignity of the subsequent Olympic torch relay protests ˆ has come down on Tibetans with an iron fist.

During four days in Lhasa this week ˆ the first visit to Tibet by an Australian journalist since the March riots that left up to 200 people dead ˆ I witnessed a city creaking under the weight of the Chinese military.

In meeting local Chinese government officials, it was apparent that Beijing has lost patience with those Tibetans who oppose its rule and has chosen the path of zero tolerance.

The heavy military presence betrays China’s unspoken fear that it is losing, rather than winning, the hearts and minds of local Tibetans, who accuse Beijing of subjugating their culture and religion to preserve national unity.

In an interview with The Weekend Australian, the vice-governor of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Bai Ma Cai Wang, reveals that China has recently boosted its security presence in Lhasa above and beyond the crackdown that followed the March riots. This is China’s first public acknowledgment that it has beefed up its security forces in Tibet.

“In order for Tibet’s stability and for people’s safety and for people’s desire for security and order, the Government has moderately adjusted the presence of the police force on the street,” he says.

Bai Ma says the Government fears a repeat of the March riots, which he says were the work of the exiled Dalai Lama and his supporters. “After the March 14 riots, the Dalai Lama and his followers have speeded up their separatist activities.”

Despite being the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhist population, the Dalai Lama has been airbrushed from view in Lhasa by the Chinese, who accuse him of being a political activist for an independent Tibet. There are no pictures or portraits of him in public areas, and Tibetans are reluctant to praise him in public, fearing retribution.

“The image of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan people’s minds has already gone away,” says Bai Ma. But the long lines of Tibetans waiting to pay homage to the tombs of former Dalai Lamas in Lhasa’s imposing Potala Palace, and the thousands of passionate Buddhist pilgrims who prostrate themselves each day outside the Jokhang Temple suggest otherwise.

I visited Tibet with News Limited journalist Steve Lewis and federal Liberal MP Michael Johnson, vice-chairman of the Australia-China Parliamentary Friendship group, at the invitation of the Chinese Government, which urged us: “Tell Australians what you have heard and seen about the truth in Tibet.”

This gave us access to high-level Communist Party officials, parliamentarians and local governors in Lhasa, but the official program included no meetings with senior Buddhists and no one whose views strayed from the official line.

When I asked for permission to visit Drapchi prison, where at least 202 people involved in the March riots remain incarcerated, I was refused.

It was only when we slipped away from our hotel at night and found some of the few Tibetans who spoke English that we heard alternative views. Even then they were reluctant to talk, fearing they might be seen or overheard by the authorities. One monk told us there were “more and more Chinese, more and more soldiers” in Lhasa in recent weeks.

But no one will speak out, he says, because of fears they will be reported to the police. “Detectives, they listen to what you say … sometimes (Barkhor) square is full of detectives listening in.”

He says Tibetans “feel very bad” about the situation but are powerless to stop it. Another monk claimed that the Chinese had installed listening devices in the main tourist sites where Westerners might interact with Tibetans, and said no one felt safe talking to foreigners about the political situation in Tibet.

On Monday, we witnessed a group of monks being placed in a police van and taken away but attempts to get an explanation were unsuccessful.

The Chinese authorities have gone to extraordinary lengths to monitor local Tibetans, installing CCTV cameras on buildings and deploying plainclothes police as well as the more overt scrutiny of the large numbers of uniformed police and soldiers.

In interviews with local Chinese officials, their frustration with the situation was palpable. They cannot understand why years of economic growth in Tibet have failed to quell Tibetan demands for greater autonomy or independence from China. There is little understanding or acceptance that Tibetans may have different priorities.

In meetings this week, Chinese officials quoted statistics showing vast improvements in the health, housing, wellbeing and life expectancy of the Tibetans. The Chinese Government has poured billions of dollars into Tibet’s economy, with state subsidies accounting for 75 per cent of the gross domestic product.

The results can be seen in and around Lhasa, with wide new roads, upmarket fashion stores and whitegoods stores boasting widescreen televisions. There is a thriving middle class of fashionably dressed locals with mobile phones glued to their ears and driving the latest cars.

The problem is that almost all of this middle class in Lhasa are Han Chinese immigrants, rather than local Tibetans who are primarily herdsmen and farmers and lack the literacy skills and education to seize the opportunities created by the Chinese investment. “While a minority of Tibetans have been rewarded with state jobs, the majority of Tibetans, who are poorly equipped to access new economic opportunities, have been marginalised,” says Ben Hillman, a Tibet expert from the Australian National University’s China Institute.

So the frustration of local Tibetans goes beyond the eroding of their culture and traditions under Chinese rule — it is also an economic development issue similar to many around the world where an indigenous people are marginalised by more commercially successful immigrants.

There are signs Chinese officials realise their mistake in focusing too heavily on infrastructure rather than on the Tibetans themselves.

“The education program in Tibet is still not satisfactory,” says Wang Jinjun, vice-director-general of the State Council Information Office. “The policy now is to better tackle the issue of herdsmen and farmers.”

The economic plight of Tibetans has not been helped by the March riots, which all but killed tourism. Shops and cafes are empty and there is barely a foreign tourist to be seen.

Tibetans have only themselves to blame for this, because so many of them supported the riots, in which 1317 people were arrested, says Wang De Wen, of the Tibet People’s Congress.

The riots “were organised by Tibet separatists headed by the Dalai Lama and his followers, who are not willing to see the great leap forward in the development of Tibet, so they instigated violent incidents which involved the smashing, the grabbing, the looting and the setting fire to shops,” says Wang. “This violent incident has wreaked havoc on the economic situation and the life of the Tibet people and has cost 320 million yuan ($70 million) since March.”

The deputy secretary-general of the Tibet People’s Congress, Tonga, was reluctant to talk about those who were detained after the riots, but claimed the majority of Tibetans involved now regretted their actions.

“After our re-education program most of them will regret what they have done,” Tonga says. When pressed further on what this means he adds: “A relevant government official briefed them on what was right and what was wrong.”

Tibetan officials we spoke to denied all claims that the religious freedom of Tibetans was being curtailed. The head of religious affairs of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Kalsang, denied widely reported views in the West that monks were required to denounce the Dalai Lama as part of “patriotic education” programs in monasteries.

He was partly contradicted several days later by Wang Jinjun who conceded that monks in Tibet were being given “legal information programs” in which they were told not to mix religion with politics.

The most striking aspect of the meetings with Chinese officials was the extent of their hostility towards the Dalai Lama who, along with the the self-styled Tibetan government in exile in India, is blamed for fomenting the uprising and for turning the Tibet issue into a cause celebre in the West.

The Chinese dismiss the Dalai Lama’s repeated assertion that he seeks only greater autonomy for Tibet, rather than independence.

When I ask whether China’s problems in Tibet might be eased by granting greater autonomy while still retaining national control of the region, Wang Jinjun is dismissive, saying it would return Tibet to its feudal origins. “Tibet will not be reduced to a backwater society which features theocratic rule,” he says.

The human dimension of this intractable problem can best be seen by taking a walk through Lhasa, where on my last day I saw a group of Tibetan women, with their babies strapped to their backs, talking and laughing under the watchful eye of a rooftop sniper.

BLOG: The Tibet you don’t hear about | Link

GALLERY: Tibet under the gun | Link

GALLERY: Chinese language gallery | Link

AUDIO: Cameron Stewart in Tibet | Link

Expressing concern that “His Holiness’ faith and trust is diminishing in the Chinese government”, the ATC said it “underscored the urgent need for stronger and more active international support for a meaningful pathway to the resolution of the Tibet issue.”

“The non-violent and conciliatory approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration is wholly dependent for its success upon strong support and advocacy from the international community,” the ATC’s Chair Mr Alex Butler, said in a letter to Australian premier on 30 October.

The ATC expressed concern over the “Chinese government’s attempt to reframe the dialogue process as being solely concerned with the Dalai Lama’s personal future, avoiding all questions concerning the status and wellbeing of the Tibetan people.”

While providing documents on the Chinese government’s repressive measures in Tibet after the March protests, the ATC told premier Rudd that “despite the extraordinary March uprising and heightened international scrutiny on China before and during the Beijing Olympics, 2008 has seen no progress towards a peaceful resolution of the Tibet issue.”

The ATC said, it strongly “encourages him (Kevin Rudd) to make strong representations to the Chinese government on continuing human rights concerns in Tibet during the upcoming Australia-China Human Rights Dialogue.”

The ATC strongly urged the Australian government “to take practical steps towards a more transparent, accountable and results-oriented bilateral human rights dialogue.”

It also called for an official Australian delegation to visit Tibetan areas.

Meanwhile, at the invitation of the Chinese government, Queensland Liberal MP Michael Johnson, a strongly pro-Chinese federal Liberal parliamentarian, will be visiting Tibet next week, according a report by The Canberra Times.

His trip to Lhasa comes as members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet have made a request to Lhasa on a fact-finding mission.

Labor backbencher Michael Danby, Australian Greens leader Senator Bob Brown, Independent Senator Nick Xenophon and Liberal backbencher Peter Slipper wrote to Chinese Ambassador Zhang Junsai last month, saying they would like to visit Tibet to understand how events have progressed since the peaceful protests in March.

Mr Danby expressed surprise about Mr Jonhson’s trip to Lhasa, saying the Liberal MP had “not previously demonstrated interest or expertise on Tibet”.

Senator Brown said: “ Any foreign group to Tibet is to be welcomed, that’s the Dalai Lama’s view, but it’s a hollow exercise if it’s done to grace the Chinese Government propaganda effort.”

–Reporting by Tibet Information Office, Australia. Editing by Lobsang Choedak.

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