DHARAMSHALA: The Tibetan Parliament has thanked French President Francois Hollande for raising the issue of Tibet during his visit to China last week.

“On behalf of all the Tibetan people, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wishes to express our deep appreciation to you for raising the issue of Tibet and human rights with the new leadership of China during your recent visit to China,” Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel wrote in a letter to the French President on 29 April.

“We remain grateful to you for your support and sympathy for the struggle of the Tibetan people and we look forward to your continued cooperation in the future as well,” he said.

President Hollande said he raised the issue of Tibet and human rights, with all topics discussed in a “frank and respectful manner”.

He said the recent self-immolations “created some legitimate emotion”. “Regarding human rights and democratic principles, they are both part of the dialogue that we are having. It should not be seen as an obligation, we should simply put this issue as it should be: as part of frank and respectful political dialogue,” he said.

Since 2009, 117 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.