Boldern, 21 April: Kalon Dicki Chhoyang emphasised that Central Tibetan Administration is firmly committed to the Middle Way Approach in her address to the conference of the presidents of Tibetan communities in Europe. She said the Tibetan leaders adopted the Middle Way Approach after thorough consultation. The Middle Way Approach began to evolve from 1974.

She said that the younger generation of Tibetans must get more actively involved and take the responsibility of the Tibetan struggle.

The Tibetan population in Europe has grown steadily over the years. 11,000 Tibetan are estimated to be living in Europe in over 20 countries. She called for citizen diplomacy with Chinese people – engaging on common interest.

Earlier, Mr. Lobsang Nyima, the Chinese Liaison Officer based at Tibet Bureau in Geneva, spoke on Chinese out reach advocacy initiatives in Europe.

In his closing address to the conference, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said that Tibetans are grateful to the people and government of India for their continued support over the years. He assured the delegates that Central Tibetan Administration’s relationship with the Government of India is very good.

Speaking on dialogue with China to resolve the issue of Tibet, Sikyong Dr. Sangay said, “We consider substance primary and process secondary, and are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue anywhere, at any time.”

The Tibetan political leader spoke about the recent letter by 21 US Senators urging US Secretary of State to encourage China to solve the Tibet issue. The letter said, “We are writing to ask for your commitment to press for meaningful improvements in the conditions in Tibet, both based on your personal interest in the issue and building on the grounds laid by your predecessors.”

In the evening, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, two parliamentarians, Ven. Thubten Wangchen and Mrs. Chungdak Koren, attended a special prayer service at the Rikon Tibetan Monastery. The prayer service was organised by the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein in memory of those Tibetans who have died in Tibet.

In his address at the special prayer service, Sikyong Dr. Sangay made reference to the recent US Statement Department’s 2012 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

“This another report that documents the severe repression of human rights in Tibet,” he said. “The report reaffirms the denial of basic human rights in Tibet by the Chinese authorities.”

Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay tomorrow leaves Zurich for Dharamsala, India.