Statement on Sino-Tibetan Dialogue by the Office
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Explains His Position on China’s Preconditions

 


The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Press Release: (18 July 2008)

 

 

In the light of recent news reports quoting Chinese officials that the issue of Tibet is only about the person of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we would like to take this opportunity to clarify once again that the issue of Tibet concerns the future of six million Tibetans in Tibet and not His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In fact, when the Chinese Government made a five-point proposal in 1981 which included that “the Dalai Lama will enjoy the same political status and living conditions as he had before 1959”, His Holiness categorically made it clear to the Chinese leadership that the issue at stake was the well-being of six million Tibetans, and he personally had nothing to ask of the Central Chinese government.

His Holiness has stated right from 1969 onwards that even the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama is for the Tibetan people to decide.

In 1992 His Holiness declared that once we are able to return to Tibet with meaningful autonomy, he will not play any role in the future government of Tibet, let alone seek the Dalai Lama’s traditional political position in the government. We would also like to make it clear, especially to our Chinese brothers and sisters that Tibetans, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, do not even dream of restoring the old society that prevailed in Tibet before 1959. As a matter of fact, democracy was introduced in the exile Tibetan community in 1960 through election of representatives to the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (Parliament in exile).

Since 2001 Tibetans in exile have an elected political leadership and His Holiness considers himself in semi-retirement. However, he will continue to fulfill his life-long commitment to promote human values and religious harmony.

Following the resumption of talks with the Chinese government in 2002, His Holiness’ envoys have also conveyed at every meeting that the issue is about the well-being of the Tibetan people and not of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Chhime R. Chhoekyapa
Secretary to
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Contact: Mr. Tashi Wangdi: 1-347 563 5976 (USA)
Mr. Lobsang Nyandak: 1-908 821 7284
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Press Statement (30 June 2008)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Envoy Kelsang
Gyaltsen will arrive in China today for the formal seventh round of discussions with
the representatives of the Chinese leadership.

They will be accompanied by senior assistants Sonam N. Dagpo, Bhuchung K. Tsering,
both members of Tibetan Task Force on Sino-Tibetan Negotiations, and Jigmey Passang
from the Secretariat of the Tibetan Task Force.

On 4 May 2008, at the informal meeting between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama and the representatives of the Chinese leadership in Shenzhen, China, it was
agreed to continue the dialogue process started in 2002 and to hold the formal
seventh round of discussions at an early and mutually convenient date.

This meeting is taking place at a crucial time.

His Holiness the Dalai  Lama has instructed the envoys to make every effort to bring
about tangible progress to alleviate the difficult situation for Tibetans in their
homeland. It is hoped that this round of talks will contribute in resolving the long
simmering issue through dialogue in the interest of stability, unity and harmony of
all nationalities in the People’s Republic of China.

The discussions will take place from 1st to 2nd July in Beijing.

Chhime R. Chhoekyapa
Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Dharamshala, India

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Press Statement (2 May 2008)

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen will arrive in China on May 3, 2008 for informal talks with representatives of the Chinese leadership.

During this brief visit, the envoys will take up the urgent issue of the current crisis in the Tibetan areas. They will convey His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s deep concerns about the Chinese authorities’ handling of the situation and also provide suggestions to bring peace to the region.

Since the Chinese leadership has indicated, publicly as well as in briefings given to foreign governments, its position on the continuation of the dialogue, the envoys will raise the issue of moving forward on the process for a mutually satisfactory solution to the Tibetan issue.

 

 

Chhime R. Chhoekyapa
Secretary to
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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Press Statement (28 June 2007)

Contact:
Delhi: Kalon Tempa Tsering, Tel: 011 264 74798
Dharamsala: Dr. Nawang Rabgyal, Additional Secretary, DIIR,
Tel: 01892 222510 and 222457

DHARAMSALA, June 28, 2007 – Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari accompanied by Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen along with two senior assistants are leaving for China tomorrow.

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari is the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen is the Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Envoys received their final instructions from His Holiness the Dalai Lama during their audience on June 26, 2007. Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, took part in the meeting.

Desang Tsering (Mr.)
Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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Press Statement (15 February 2006)

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, accompanied by Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen and senior aides, arrived in China today for the fifth round of talks on the Tibetan issue.

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari is the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen is the Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Envoys received their final instructions from His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 13 February 2006 in Bodh Gaya, where he is on a visit. Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, took part in the meeting.

His Holiness is pleased that the present round of talks, which began in 2002, is the longest process of continued interaction that we have had with the leadership in Beijing. For the last four meetings, the envoys have had very candid and serious discussion with their counterparts in the Chinese leadership.

Tenzin Geyche Tethong
Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Dharamshala
Dated: February 15, 2006

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Press Statement (1 July 2005)

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, accompanied by Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen and three senior assistants, began the first session of the fourth round of their talks with Chinese counterparts at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Berne, Switzerland on June 30, 2005. This is the continuation of the process started in September 2002.

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari is the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen is the Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Envoys received their final instructions from His Holiness the Dalai Lama on June 23, 2005. Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, took part in the meeting.

His Holiness hopes the process will move forward to bring about substantive negotiations on the Tibetan problem.

The idea of periodic meetings at venues outside of China was discussed during the third session of talks in September 2004.

Tenzin Geyche Tethong
Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Dharamshala
Dated: July 1, 2005

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Press Statement (11 September 2004)

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, accompanied by Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen, along with two senior assistants, will depart for China on September 12, 2004 in continuation of the process started in September 2002 and May-June 2003.

In addition to meetings with Chinese leaders they may visit some Tibetan areas during this trip.

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari is the Special Envoy of His holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen is the Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Envoys received their final instructions from His Holiness the Dalai Lama during their audience on September 8. Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, took part in the meeting.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is pleased that his Envoys are making another visit and hopes the process will move forward to bring about substantive negotiations on the Tibet problem.

Tenzin Geyche Tethong
Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Dharamshala
September 11, 2004

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Press Release (25 May 2003)

Camp: Tabo, HP, 25 May 2003: Mr Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, accompanied by Mr. Kelsang Gyatsen, along with two senior assistants, is departing for China today. This is their second trip since they last visited Beijing and some other areas including Lhasa in September 2002.

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari is the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen is the Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

This visit is a continuation of the process begun in September last year when they sought to re-establish contact with the Chinese leadership.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is very pleased with this development and expresses his desire to move this process forward to substantive negotiation on the Tibet problem.

Tenzin Geyche Tethong
Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Dharamsala

Contact:
Mr. Thupten Samphel, Secretary
Department of Information and International Relations
Dharamsala
Tel: (01892) 222510/224662

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Press Release (9 September 2002)

DHARAMSALA, September 9, 2002 – Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari accompanied by Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen along with two assistants are arriving today in Beijing. During the visit Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and the team will also visit Lhasa. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is very pleased that the team is able to make such a visit.

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari is the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen is the Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Contacts:
Tenzin Geyche Tethong, Secretary
Tenzin Taklha, Deputy Secretary
Tel: (01892) 21343/21879
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