Kalon Tripa Sworn In for 2nd Term
Tuesday, 15 August 2006, 7:00 p.m.
Kalon Tripa at the media conference this morning (Photo Lobsang Wangyal) |
Dharamshala: In an exclusive ceremony here at His Holiness’ residence this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama administered the oath of office and secrecy to Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, in the presence of the (Tibetan) Chief Justice Commissioner, Justice Commissioners, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Assembly, and the three Kalons.
Speaking at a news conference later at the Kashag, the Kalon Tripa said that given the host of unpopular decisions executed by his administration in the last five years, the thumping victory, about 91% of the total votes cast, in the recent polling for the post of the highest executive head of the Central Tibetan Administration, came as quite a surprise.
In response to queries, the Professor Rinpoche said that, although it is difficult to pronounce any set targets of his second, consecutive term as the Kalon Tripa–for much will hinge upon the reciprocity of the other parties–his administration will hold up its end of the bargain.
Asked if the issue of Tibet could be resolved through the Middle-Way Approach, within the lifetime of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Kalon Tripa concurred, adding that the preparations for the sixth round of talks have already begun.
He further said that the Tibetan issue is not of an individual, but of the six million Tibetans. “Thus, even at times of His Holiness’ absence, the Tibetan struggle for a genuine autonomy will not relent, or fade away into oblivion.”
On the induction of new Kalons, the Kalon Tripa said that, although the practise of appointing only one Kalon for two (ministerial) departments may have its own flip side, it has been advantageous, especially in the final analysis of costs and benefits. “Besides, as Kalons need not involve in the day to day administrative affairs, I see no reason why one Kalon will not suffice for two departments.”
For full text of the Kalon Tripa’s statement on oath taking ceremony, go to press release.
(www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)