Senator Feinstein Supports the Dalai Lama’s Call for Fact-Finding Delegations to TibetThursday, 24 March 2010, 5:30 p.m.

US Senator Dianne Feinstein

DHARAMSHALA:
Senator Dianne Feinstein has made a speech in the United States Senate
expressing her concern at the situation in Tibet, supporting the Dalai
Lama’s decision to devolve authority as well as his call for
fact-finding delegations to Tibet to see for themselves the current
situation on the ground.In the speech, made on the floor of the
Senate on March 17, 2011 and published in the Congressional Record,
Senator Feinstein referred to the Dalai Lama’s message to the Tibetan
Parliament on handing over his formal authority to an elected leader.
She said, “I applaud His Holiness for this decision and I stand ready
to do my part to help the Tibetan community in exile transition to a
new political structure.”Senator Feinstein also backed the
Dalai Lama’s call, made in his statement on March 10, 2011 the
anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising, for fact-finding
delegations to Tibet. She said, “I also support His Holiness’ call for
fact-finding delegations to Tibet, including representatives of
international parliamentarians, to see for themselves the current
situation on the ground. “As His Holiness pointed out, similar
delegations visited Tibet in the late 1970s and early 1980s and I
strongly encourage China to allow them again.  “I believe such
delegations could increase awareness about the challenges facing
Tibetans and Tibetan culture and enhance dialogue and cooperation with
China on finding mutually beneficial solutions.”The full text of Senator Feinstein’s statement is given below.Congressional Record112th Congress (2011-2012)TIBET — (Senate – March 17, 2011)— 
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President, I rise today to express my continuing
concern about the current situation in Tibet.  Before I do so, I would
like to bring to the attention of my colleagues a recent statement made
by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his political future.  In his
March 10 statement marking the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan
uprising, His Holiness announced his intention to propose amendments to
the Charter for Tibetans in Exile, handing over his formal authority to
an elected leader.  Let me read a portion of his message to the
Fourteenth Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies:  The essence of a
democratic system is, in short, the assumption of political
responsibility by elected leaders for the popular good. In order for
our process of democratization to be complete, the time has come for me
to devolve my formal authority to such an elected leadership. 
I applaud His Holiness for this decision and I stand ready to do my
part to help the Tibetan community in exile transition to a new
political structure.  I take great comfort in the knowledge
that His Holiness will continue his role as spiritual leader to the
Tibetan people and will work tirelessly to preserve the Tibetan culture
both inside and outside of Tibet.  I also support His Holiness’
call for fact-finding delegations to Tibet, including representatives
of international parliamentarians, to see for themselves the current
situation on the ground.  As His Holiness pointed out, similar
delegations visited Tibet in the late 1970s and early 1980s and I
strongly encourage China to allow them again.  I believe such
delegations could increase awareness about the challenges facing
Tibetans and Tibetan culture and enhance dialogue and cooperation with
China on finding mutually beneficial solutions.  Indeed, as a
friend of His Holiness and as a friend of all Tibetan people, I remain
deeply concerned about the situation in Tibet.  In 2008, a wave of
violence swept across Tibet which was met with violence by the Chinese
government.  Reports out of Tibet continue to paint a picture of the
suppression the Tibetan culture and people are confronted with.  And
despite nine rounds of talks between the United Front Work Department
of the Communist Party of China and envoys of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama , a comprehensive solution to the Tibetan issue remains out of
reach.  As a friend of China and the Dalai Lama , I am saddened to see
the situation in Tibet further deteriorate.  The Dalai Lama has
been trying to engage the Chinese leadershipfor more than 50 years.  In
the 1990s, I carried three letters to President Jiang Zemin from the
Dalai Lama requesting a face-to-face meeting.  In my view, the Dalai
Lama’s concerns are driven by the fact that the Chinese Government
continues to suppress the Tibetan way of life.  Yet he has made
it clear that he does not support independence for Tibet, but rather
meaningful cultural and religious autonomy for the Tibetan people
within the People’s Republic of China.  This can only come about
through meaningful dialogue and negotiation, not actions that would
undermine Tibetan culture.  As such, I urge the administration
to support fact-finding delegations to Tibet and work with our friends
and allies in the international community to call on the Chinese
Government to begin a substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama on
national reconciliation, respect for the Tibetan culture, and
meaningful autonomy for Tibet.   I have been blessed to call the Dalai
Lama a friend for more than 30 years. I first met him during a trip to
India and Nepal in the fall of 1978.  During that trip I
invited His Holiness to visit San Francisco–where I was mayor at the
time–and he accepted. In September 1979, I was delighted to welcome
the Dalai Lama to San Francisco to receive his first public recognition
in the United States.  During our many conversations, His
Holiness often reiterates that, at its core, Buddhism espouses reaching
out to help others, particularly the less fortunate. And it encourages
us all to be more kind and compassionate.    His teachings truly cross
all religions, cultures, and ethnic lines.  Over the decades,
his principled beliefs have never wavered, yet his teachings have
become more expansive. His message of peace and understanding has never
been more relevant than it is today.  In the midst of war and
bloodshed, the Dalai Lama has been a champion for peace and
nonviolence. In his quiet but undeniably firm manner, he challenges all
of us to look beyond conflict and harmful rhetoric to seek positive
change by embracing dialogue, cooperation, and negotiated solutions. 
In the face of hatred and intolerance, he has faith in love,
compassion, and respect.  He reminds people from all corners of the
globe to move beyond our ethnic, religious, and racial divisions and
embrace our common humanity. He encourages us to believe in something
bigger than ourselves and work together for a better future. 
He sets a wonderful example for all of us, and I am proud to call him
friend.  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Dalai Lama
in working toward a humanitarian solution to the problems plaguing
Tibet and the Tibetan people.