Dharamshala, India — Pema Jungney, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) extended his heartiest congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on being sworn in as the 46th President and 49th Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2021.
Greeting the President on behalf of the Tibetans in and outside Tibet and the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Speaker Pema Jungney wrote, “I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt congratulation to you on taking the oath of office as the 46th President of the United States of America. We are also thankful and optimistic of your statement earlier in September last year committing to sanction Chinese officials responsible for human rights violations in Tibet and re-assuring your support for the Tibetan people.”
“You have created history by becoming the first woman Vice President of the United States and also the first Indian-origin to hold the office. Indians all around the world celebrate the inauguration of Your Excellency as the US Vice President. It is indeed a moment of pride for all the Asians and particularly Indians,” he expressed while congratulating the Vice president.
“The people and the government of the United States have consistently supported the Tibetans and non-violent struggle of Tibet for which Tibetans all over the world are eternally grateful. On the recent passage of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act 2020, we are positive that it will be applied, implemented and followed effectively under your leadership,” he further stated.
“Ever since Chinese invasion in 1959, the situation inside Tibet remained grim and alarming despite China’s lofty claims of having liberated and developed Tibet. Since 2009, over 155 Tibetans in Tibet have desperately resorted to self-immolation in protests against Chinese rule, calling for freedom and the return of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet. The US has been among the pioneer countries in supporting Tibet’s issue and helping Tibetans to protect its unique culture and identity. They have also relentlessly encouraged and pressured the Chinese government in resuming the dialogue. We feel confident that under your presidency, the United States will continue this long-standing tradition and congregate the international effort in resolving the issue of Tibet amicably with China based on the Middle Way Approach. We seek genuine autonomy within the framework of China benefiting both sides,” said the Speaker.
“With your commitment and drive to serve the US government, we look forward to a very effective and successful tenure under your administration. We are certain that your contributions towards the betterment of world peace will be your top priorities in the years to come” concluded the Speaker, wishing the newly elected administration all the best for their future endeavour towards fulfilling the aspirations of the American people.
