Tibetan PM in Exile called on Chinese leadership to resume dialogue with Tibetan representatives

Dharamshala, March 10, 2017: Addressing Tibetans gathered at the 58th commemoration of the Tibetan National Uprising Dayon today (March 10, 2017), at the main Tibetan temple Tsuglagkahang, Dr Arno Kompatscher, President of South Tyroll, expressed his government’s support for Tibet and asserted that the Tibet cause will prevail one day.
Dr Arno Kompatscher is accompanied at the commemorative function by a delegation of leaders and academics from South Tyrol, an autonomous region in Italy, which shares a close bond of friendship with the Tibetan Government in Exile CTA (Central Tibetan Administration).
“It has been twenty years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama first came to visit my homeland. Since then a strong bond of friendship developed between my people and you. This certainly had a lot to do with the personal chemistry between my predecessor Luis Durnwalder and His Holiness, but it is also because the people of Tibet and South Tyrol have a lot in common,” President Kompatscher said.“We are both mountain people, rooted in our traditions and way of life that cherishes freedom a lot, and we are both determined when it comes to defending our rights and especially our identity,” he explained.
He concluded with a hopeful statement that the next ‘Losar – Tibetan New Year ‘ should be celebrated at Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet with freedom and dignity for Tibetans.
The function began with a minute’s silence in honour of the Tibetans who lost their lives in the Tibetan freedom struggle.
Tibetan PM in Exile , Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of the Tibetan people, and Ven Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament read the statements of the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament.
Dr Lobsang Sangay recalled the sacrifices of the Tibetan men and women from the all three provinces who have bravely challenged the Chinese invasion on this day in 1959.
He also condemned China for its continued repression in the face of the Tibetan people’s resilience and commitment to non-violence.
“Despite the increased repression and intensified crackdown, Tibetans in Tibet have made clear their genuine aspirations, as reflected in the case of 145 self-immolations that called for “Freedom for Tibetans” and “Return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.Even today, as we speak there is a major military presence in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, and on March 3 this year, a 5000-strong army officers with a convoy of 1000 military vehicles conducted a massive military drill in Lhasa making it reminiscent of a war zone,” he said.
He further highlighted the severe human rights violations taking place inside Tibet under the leadership of president Xi Jinping.
He also sought the world’s attention on issues
Dr. Sangay emphasized the Kashag’s consistent focus on the importance of women empowerment and gender equality, officially announcing 12 March as ‘Tibetan Women’s Day’.
Sikyong called on the Chinese leadership to resume dialogue with the Tibetan representatives. “Given the international condemnation of China’s Tibet policies, we once again call on the Chinese leadership to review its wrong policies in Tibet and revisit Hu Yaobong initiated liberal policies on Tibetan people. Ultimately the Tibet issue can be best resolved by adhering to the win-win proposition of the Middle Way Approach and resuming dialogue with the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as reiterated by the US Government and European Parliament.”
Thousands of Tibetans and supporters gathered at the Tsuglagkhang today to mark the 58th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising day.
Members of the Tibetan Cabinate (Kashag), members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Tibetan Justice Commissioners and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration, attended the function in full strength.
The chief guest at the function was Dr Arno Kompatscher, President of South Tyroll, an autonomous region in northern Italy. Other high level guests include Mr Michel Raison, President of Tibet Group in the French senate, Mr Andre Gattolin, French senator and Mr Consiglio Di Nino, (retd) Canadian Senator.