Press Trust of India | Dharamsala | Aug 08, 2012

Declaring a middle-path approach on the Tibet issue, the Tibetan government-in-exile today said it is committed to a dialogue process with China to resolve the dispute on the basis of mutual benefit.

“We are committed to the middle-way approach and the dialogue process to resolve the Tibet issue on the basis of mutual benefit.

“The Tibetan Task Force on negotiations has met twice in the last eight months and will meet again in December to continue the dialogue process with the new Chinese leadership,” Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay said on the occasion of completing one year in office.

Prominent leaders including Hillary Clinton have called on the Chinese government to continue serious dialogue on the issue, he said.

On his year-long experience on running the government, Sangay said: “This is a responsibility that we have handled reasonably well so far, thanks to the unity, solidarity and support from Tibetans in and outside Tibet, and our friends.”

“To my fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, I want to reiterate the current Kashag’s (governing council) commitment to fulfill our cherished goal of freedom for the Tibetan people, and return of his Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet,” he said.

Expressing concern on continuing incidents of self immolations by Tibetans in China, Sangay urged them to refrain from such a drastic form of protest.

“We hold the repressive policies of the Chinese government solely responsible for this tragic turn of events,” he alleged.

A total of 46 reported incidents of self-immolations have occurred in Tibet since March 2011, he said.

Outlining the progress made by his government, Sangay said the government has worked in the field of staff reform, policy research, development capacity, mobilising human resources and relief to refugees among others.

The exiled government is looking forward to the 2nd Special General Meeting of Tibetans in Dharamsala from September 25-28, 2012.

“The primary agenda will be to discuss ways and means to deal with the urgent and critical situation in Tibet. Another important upcoming gathering is the Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting,” he said.