We have seen the Xinhua
report of 25 April 2008 of the Chinese government wishing to meet with
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s envoys. His Holiness the Dalai Lama for a
long time, especially since 10 March of this year, wanted to reach out
to the Chinese people and the leadership. His Holiness the Dalai Lama
has always wanted to resolve the issue of Tibet through face to face
discussions with the Chinese authorities.
Throughout the present crisis in Tibet, we have maintained
contact with the Chinese authorities, not only to share our deepest
concerns at their repressive measures to deal with the development in
different parts of Tibet, but more importantly to provide suggestions
to resolve the crisis. His Holiness even sent a personal communication
to President Hu Jintao as early as 19 March 2008 wherein he had even
offered to send representatives to help calm the situation. The
immediate greatest concern for His Holiness and the Tibetan leadership
continues to be the fate of the Tibetans and in this regard His
Holiness the Dalai Lama’s envoys have been in regular touch with their
counterparts, including exploring the possibilities of early meetings,
to address this issue.
We feel it will require normalcy in the situation in the
Tibetan areas for the formal resumption of the talks and we are
committed to take all steps, including informal meetings, to continue
in bringing about this. It is our position that for any meeting to be
productive it is important for the Chinese leadership to understand the
reality and acknowledge the positive role of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama rather than indulging in vilification campaign that is even
contained in the same Xinhua report.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche
Kalon Tripa
Central Tibetan Administration
Dharamsala, India
Tel: +91 1892 222218/ 222713/223546
Fax: +91 1892 224914