Pelosi Remarks on Awarding His Holiness Congressional Gold Medal
Thursday, 14 September 2006, 9:30 a.m.
A file photo of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi |
Washington D.C.: House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi yesterday spoke on the House floor in support of legislation to award His Holiness the Dalai Lama the Congressional Gold Medal.
Below are her remarks as prepared:
“I rise in strong support of the legislation to award the Congressional
Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. I would like to thank
the Members of Congress who helped bring this bill to the House floor
including Tom Lantos, Frank Wolf, Ileana-Ros Lehtinen and Senator Dianne
Feinstein.
“The Congressional Gold Medal is the most distinguished award bestowed by
the United States Congress. It is reserved for the most heroic,
courageous, and outstanding individuals who have made lasting
contributions to society – individuals such as Pope John Paul II, Mother
Teresa, Elie Wiesel and Nelson Mandela.
“Today we honor our nation and the American people by awarding the
Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I am proud to be
an original co-sponsor of this legislation.
“His Holiness often describes himself as a ‘simple monk, no more, no
less.’ But he represents much more to many people around the world.
Tibetan Buddhists believe the Dalai Lama is the earthly manifestation of
the living Buddha. On the world stage, he is seen as the head of state
and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. For thousands, he is a source
of spiritual refuge and a connection to inner peace and harmony. He has
traveled the world, building bridges between and among the different
faiths. He has used his position to promote wisdom, compassion, and
non-violence as a solution – not only in Tibet – but to other world
conflicts.
“The Dalai Lama has made the human rights situation in Tibet an issue of
international concern. Indeed, the situation in Tibet is a challenge to
the conscience of the world. Under Chinese occupation, hundreds of
thousands of Tibetans have died. Freedom to practice their religion and
political _expression are severely curtailed. Despite the harsh
repression, Tibetans are as devoted to their beliefs as ever and the bond
between the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people is unbreakable.
“As a new Member of Congress in 1987, I was in attendance when the Dalai
Lama proposed the historic Five-Point Peace Plan toward resolving the
future status of Tibet. The Dalai Lama proposed a ‘Middle Way Approach’
that seeks genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the framework of the
People’s Republic of China.
“In recent years, Tibetan envoys have traveled to China for five rounds of
discussions on the status of Tibet. While open dialogue is a first step,
it is clear that the Chinese government is stalling. They are missing an
historic opportunity to negotiate with a partner who has the authority and
the legitimacy to implement a comprehensive agreement. A negotiated
settlement would ensure internal stability in Tibet and bolster China’s
reputation in the world.
“The Dalai Lama has asked for international support for his non-violent
efforts to engage the Chinese government. I am proud to say the U.S.
Congress has been a bedrock of support for the Tibetan cause. Together we
have taken action to improve the lives of Tibetans both inside and outside
of Tibet.
“By awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama, Congress is
sending an important signal of support for the ongoing discussions. The
United States must continue to be committed to meeting the challenge that
Tibet makes to our conscience. It is my hope that our efforts can help
the Dalai Lama free the Tibetan people.”
–ICT
(www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)