Dharamshala: President Dr Lobsang Sangay, Central Tibetan Administration condoled the demise of former US President George HW Bush on Saturday. The former president passed away at his home in Houston on 30 November. He was 94.

“The unfortunate news of the passing away of US President George HW Bush has saddened me. I am writing at this difficult moment to convey on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the people of Tibet, my deepest condolences,” President said, extending condolences to family and friends of the former President.

“Former President George HW Bush was the first American President to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Thereby, he set a glorious example for all the leaders who succeeded him.”

“After the historic meeting in April 1991, George HW Bush Administration released the first official statement on Tibet, in which, he raised concerns over human rights abuses in Tibet and urged for an earnest resumption of dialogue between the envoys of His Holiness and the Chinese government. The stance was echoed by the Obama Administration in his official statement in June 2016.”

He further said, “George Bush truly lived for the country and served it assiduously for more than four decades.”

“Tibetans all around the world deeply feel this great loss. We will remember him in our thoughts and prayers.”

George HW Bush, who served the United States as President, vice president, congressman, war hero, and public servant, passed away on 30 November. He is survived by five children, 17 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren and two siblings.