NEW DELHI: Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the political head of the Tibetan people, spoke to the press at a briefing held at the New Delhi Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 5 October. The special media event was attended by several media representatives including AP, ANI, NDTV, Asian Age, Hindu, IANS, Pioneer, PTI, Reuters and Times of India. The Sikyong’s remarks and exchange with the media representatives covered a wide range of topics including the current spate of self-immolations in Tibet, the fourth session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the recent Second Special General Meeting of Tibetans, and the overall Tibetan situation. Sikyong also briefed the media about the ‘Middle Way Policy’ of exile Tibetan Administration for the resolution of Tibet.
 
The Sikyong thanked the Indian government for its generosity to the Tibetan people and appealed to the Indian authorities to make Tibet a core issue in India’s bilateral ties with China. He explained how a speedy and peaceful resolution to the Tibet issue would benefit both India and China, and argued that the Tibet issue presents China with a true test of its commitment to diversity. On the current crisis in Tibet as evident in the spate of self-immolations, the Sikyong reiterated the Central Tibetan Administration’s position of requesting Tibetans to refrain from extreme measures. He, however, held China’s repressive policies in Tibet responsible for the self-immolations including the Chinese policy of forcibly resettling thousands of Tibetan nomads in permanent settlements. He requested the support of the international community to address the crisis in Tibet. On being asked where China was heading politically, Dr. Sangay noted that the world was witnessing the growth of democracy and an end to one-party rule, and that this trend was apparent in China as well.  He stated that his Administration is closely watching the Chinese leadership transition scheduled to take place this November and hoped the next generation of Chinese leaders would change the failed hardline policies in Tibet.  
 
Dr. Sangay was enroute to an official three week-trip to North America and Europe.