His Holiness Appreciates Initiative of the South African Parliamentarians
Tuesday, 14 February 2006, 2:00 PM
Dharamshala (TibetNet): In his message dated 1 February 2006, His Holiness the Dalai Lama thanked the South African parliamentarians representing different parties for their initiative in establishing the Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the country.
The message was read by Jampal Chosang, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in South Africa, at the inaugural function of the South Africa Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet on 7 February.
His Holiness said that he is committed to finding a lasting solution for the mutual interest of the Tibetan people and the government of the People’s Republic of China.
In view of this, His Holiness said, the support from international community is very important in our effort for the protection and preservation of our Tibetan identity, culture and Tibet’s fragile environment and for the present dialogue process.
Following is the full text of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message
I am happy to learn that a South African Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet is being formally launched in Pretoria on 7 February 2006.
So far, four World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet have been held, most recently in Edinburgh, Scotland, where I had the pleasure to meet with many parliamentarians, including from South Africa.
Today, we Tibetans are passing through a very critical period. The very survival of the Tibetans as a people and their unique culture are under severe threat. I would therefore like to express my deep appreciation to the honourable parliamentarians representing different parties for their initiative, interest in and support the Tibetan people’s non-violent efforts for freedom and justice.
I remain committed to finding a lasting solution that will mutually benefit the Tibetans as well as the Chinese people. I am seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet within the constitutional framework of the People’s Republic of China. Your support is very important in our efforts for the protection and preservation of our Tibetan identity, culture and Tibet’s fragile environment and for the present dialogue process.
On behalf of the Tibetan people, I would like to again express my deep gratitude to you for establishing this Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the South African Parliament.
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