We welcome the
statement of Premier Wen Jiabao expressing PRC leadership’s willingness
to continue contacts and consultations with the Envoys of His Holiness
the Dalai Lama during a press conference on 13 March 2009. His Holiness
the Dalai Lama is always ready to engage with the Chinese leadership to
find a mutually acceptable solution to the problems of the Tibetan
people.What His Holiness is seeking for the Tibetan people has
already been presented to the PRC government in writing as a Memorandum
on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People by the Envoys of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama on 31 October 2008 during the eighth round of
talks. The Memorandum clearly outlines the aspirations of the Tibetan
people strictly within the constitutional principles of the People’s
Republic of China. Premier Wen Jiabao appears to be trying to avoid
acknowledging this document by referring to some past statements of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama. On many occasions, His Holiness the
Dalai Lama has reiterated that he is not seeking separation from the
People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Premier’s allegations of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama seeking separation is far from the truth. The
international community is well aware of this fact and it does not need
further clarification. We hope that Beijing will demonstrate its sincerity in resolving the Tibetan problem. Samdhong Rinpoche KALON TRIPADated: 14 March 2009