Dharamshala: - Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected political leader of Tibet once again reiterated his administration's firm commitment to pursue a meaningful dialogue with the Chinese government to seek genuine autonomy for Tibet.
Addressing at a prayer gathering Dr Sangay said said the successful democratic transition His Holiness the Dalai Lama's historic decision to devolve political authority to a democratically-elected leader has send a clear message to the Chinese government that Tibetans in exile will keep alive the Tibetan movement.
He also said the task force on negotiations would be enlarged and will hold their 26th meeting in September.
The Kashag (Cabinet) has proceeded with a three-phase approach of consolidation, action and dialogue since assuming office in August 2011, Sikyong said, adding that the first two phases have been completed.
Sikyong said "we have been able to consolidate a smooth democratic transition with the support of Indian and international Tibet support groups by hosting their major conferences in Dharamshala."
"We have organised a special prayer service today to express solidarity with all those Tibetans who have self-immolated for the cause of Tibet, and their family members," Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay told hundreds of Tibetans gathering at the main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj, Dharamsala to express their sympathy and solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet during a special prayer ceremony, which was presided over by His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee.
The ceremony has also marked the second anniversary of successful democratic transition following His Holiness the Dalai Lama's devolution of political authority to the democratically-elected Tibetan leadership.
"It has strengthened the hopes of Tibetans inside Tibet that their brethren in exile shoulder the responsibility in line with His Holiness the Dalai Lama's vision and invigorated their courage and determination," he added.
The collective effort of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the people and civil servants of the Central Tibetan Administration has deepened the international community's conviction in our commitment to democracy, he added.
Sikyong Dr Sangay stressed on the importance of unity within Tibetan community in exile. He said "Tibetans in and outside has forged unity and made a concerted effort to ensure a smooth transition after His Holiness the Dalai Lama's historic decision to devolve political authority to a democratically-elected leader."
"The action phase witnessed major solidarity events in several cities including New York, New Delhi, Brussels, Tokyo, Sydney and others. These solidarity events were complemented by media awareness and efforts to garner support for Tibet in Congress and parliaments across the world. Working with friends and supporters of Tibet, we were able to get resolutions and motions passed in parliaments in the European Union (EU), France, Italy, the United States and others," he said.
Sikyong said the CTA will now direct its efforts on the dialogue phase and pledged to make continued efforts to resume contact with the Chinese government and take initiatives to educate the international community, including Tibetans, on the Middle Way Approach, repeatedly advocated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama since the 1980s.
Concerned over the spate of self-immolation protests, Sikyong said the situation in Tibet remains critical as Tibetans continue to set themselves on fire to protest against China's repressive rule.
Sikyong reiterated that Tibetans are driven to set themselves on fire in protest by the Chinese government's policies of political repression, cultural assimilation, social discrimination, economic marginalisation and environmental destruction over the last 60 years of its invasion. "The blame and solution lies squarely with the Chinese government," he said.
"Through various media, the Kashag has consistently appealed and categorically discouraged Tibetans in Tibet from self-immolating as a form of protest. Life is precious and as human beings we do not want anyone to die in such a manner. As Buddhists, we pray for the soul of the deceased. As Tibetans, it is our sacred duty to support the aspirations of Tibetans in Tibet: the return of His Holiness the great Fourteenth Dalai Lama to Tibet, freedom for the Tibetan people, and unity among Tibetans," he said.
Sikying also praised the unwavering courage and strength in the Tibetan people inside Tibet. "Unity and cooperation are of paramount importance and we appealed to our brethren to make continued effort towards this end," he said.
Dr Sangay said the international support for the issue of Tibet is a result of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's vision and achievements and, truth and moral standing of the Tibetan people. "The international community recognises Tibetans as a people with morality, honest and truthful. So we urge Tibetans both in and outside Tibet to maintain this recognition," he said. He also strongly urged Tibetans to shun alcohol and drug addiction and gambling.
