Dharamshala: Former President of Botswana, HE Seretse Khama Ian Khama, has issued a written statement on the auspicious occasion celebrating the 85th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The statement as published below is received via the Office of Tibet, South Africa.
HE Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s message:
“Your Holiness,
I hope you are in good health. I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best as you celebrate your birthday. I have very fond memories from the time I met with you and had the honour to participate at the sixtieth anniversary of the Central Tibetan Administration which enjoys worldwide support. You, Your Holiness and the CTA are the embodiment of peace and harmony and it is my wish as it is the wish of many others to see the people of Tibet living peacefully in their own land.
It is really a crime that still today Tibetans suffer from abhorrent human rights abuse, cultural genocide and environmental devastation as do many others in China, at the hands of that corrupt dictatorship. However I am hopeful that the day will come that peace and democracy will reign in Tibet and all over China and Tibetans will be able to determine their own destiny in their own land.
I look forward your Holiness to meeting with you again and wish you all the best on this special day and in the days to come.”