|
Dalai Lama wants an autonomous Tibet
Real estate news By Dalai Lama
Oct. 20, 2007
This recognition will bring tremendous joy and encouragement to the Tibetan people for whom I have a special responsibility. Their welfare is my constant motivation. And I always consider myself as their free spokesman -- or spokesperson. I believe that this award also sends a powerful message to those many individuals who are dedicated to promoting peace, understanding and harmony. On a personal note, I am deeply touched that this great honor has been given to me, a Buddhist monk, born of a simple family from the remote Amdo region of Tibet. . . .
The consistency of American support for Tibet has not gone unnoticed in China. Where this has caused some tension in the U.S.- China relations, I feel a sense of regret. Today I wish to share with you my sincere hope that the future of Tibet and China will move beyond mistrust [toward] a relationship based on mutual respect, trust and recognition of common interests. Today we watch China as it rapidly moves forward. Economic modernization has led to wealth, modernization and great power. Today's economic success of both India and China, the two most populous nations, with long history of rich culture, is most deserving. With their newfound status, these two countries are poised to play important leading roles on the world stage.
To fulfill this role, I believe it is vital for China to have transparency, rule of law and freedom of information. China being a state of many nationalities, a key factor here would be how it ensures the harmony and unity of its various peoples. For this, the equality and the rights of these nationalities to maintain their distinct identities are crucial. With respect to my own homeland Tibet, many people, both from inside and outside, feel deeply concerned about the consequences of the rapid change taking place. Every year, the Chinese population inside Tibet is increasing at an alarming rate. If we are to judge by the examples of the population of Lhasa, there is a real danger that the Tibetans will be reduced to an insignificant minority in their own homeland.
Send tips or a Letter to the Editor to editor@updatere.com
|
