“The Cause of Tibet is Worthy of Our Nation’s Support”

Monday, 3 April 2006, 12:30 PM

From Left: Mr. Ben Skosana, Mr. Tony Leon, and Mr. Gareth Morgan

Dharamshala: On 31 March, Mr. Tony Leon, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) Party of the South African parliament, briefed the media about their audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

“During the audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness emphasised that neither he nor the Central Tibetan Administration are seeking independence from China, but are seeking, through dialogue and non-violence, a ‘Third Way’ to accommodate the aspirations of Tibetans within the context of the Chinese constitution”, Mr. Leon said.

“The cause of Tibet is worthy of our nation’s support”. He said that he will seek opportunity to highlight the course of human rights situation in Tibet on their return to South Africa.

He described the audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a moving experience. He said His Holiness does not speak only for Tibet and the Tibetans, but speaks for all humankind.

Mr. Leon led a delegation of South African members of parliament, including, Mr. Gareth Morgan of the DA and Mr. Ben Skosana of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the former minister of South Africa.

Mr. Skosana said their meeting with the Kalons of the CTA, the Chair and Vice-chair of the Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies and other officials filled them with a hope that soon they will join their compatriots in Tibet.

“To me the Middle Way Approach is a wise and diplomatic process to pursue”, he said.

While, Mr. Gareth briefed about the South African Tibet Friendship Group (SATFG). He said that he will present a report and a slight presentation of their interaction with the assembly members and what they have seen here on their return to South Africa.

The delegation remarked that they will try their best to highlight and internationalise the plight of Tibetans in Tibet.

(www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration.)