Rights Group Hopes for Constructive Talks between US President and His HolinessSaturday, 13 February 2010, 4:19 p.m.
Dharamshala: Welcoming
President’s Barack Obama’s decision to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama
on 18 February, a Washington DC-based human rights group advocating the
cause of Tibetans has hoped the two would have “constructive talks” on
the situation in Tibet.”The meeting is an opportunity both to
deepen their relationship and discuss forward steps in US support for
the Dalai Lama’s leadership, and his approach of seeking a solution for
Tibet through dialogue with the People’s Republic of China,” the
International Campaign for Tibet said.”We also hope for a
constructive meeting as the Tibetan people have demonstrated to the
world their increasing frustration with the situation in Tibet, and
many are suffering for doing so. We believe that President Obama
understands what is at stake for the Tibetan people and has a role to
play as the leader of a nation founded on universal principles of
freedom and justice,” ICT’s Vice President Mary Beth Markey said in a statement.The
meeting reflects an historic and internationally-shared recognition of
the Dalai Lama as an important and valued spokesperson for human rights
and human dignity, and US government’s support for the Tibetan people’s
struggle against oppression, Markey added.Meanwhile, Central
Tibetan Administration spokesman said the meeting is certainly
encouraging for Tibetans in and outside Tibet. It is an indication that
the United States takes very seriously that the issue of Tibet is
resolved with the China government, Mr Thubten Samphel told ANI news agency.
