In his address at the closing ceremony of the 4th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his appreciation to all parliamentarians and participants for their support for the just and reasonable cause of Tibet.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “We are not seeking independence. We are seeking genuine autonomy within the constitutional framework of the People’s Republic of China.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama explained that once this is achieved, he will hand over his traditional powers to the local Tibetan government. His Holiness hoped that this local Tibetan government would eventually be an elected government. He said that these details need to be discussed with the Chinese authorities.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasised the importance of the preservation of the culture, which in a genuinely autonomous region will also become a part of the culture of the People’s Republic of China. His Holiness believes this will enrich the culture of the People’s Republic of China. His Holiness is gratified by the fact that many Chinese in the mainland are showing a higher appreciation of the value of Tibetan culture.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that this gathering of parliamentarians around the world should not be construed as an act of engaging in anti-Chinese activities. His Holiness gave the example of two hands. His Holiness said that of the two hands the right hand is considered more important, which is always extended in friendship to China. His Holiness said there is no return gesture from the Chinese. For this reason the left hand seeks the support of our friends in the international community. His Holiness also said that once the right hand is grasped by the Chinese government in friendship, the left hand will join the effort.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama also focused the attention of the participants to the importance of the protection of the environment of Tibet. His Holiness said that most of the rivers of Asia originate from Tibet and millions of people downstream depend on their livelihood on Tibetan waters.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama give an interesting anecdote about his meeting with Chairman Mao when he visited China in 1954. His Holiness said that the purpose of sending the soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army and Chinese officials were to help Tibet. Chairman Mao said that once Tibet became developed, these personnel would be withdrawn. Chairman Mao also asked His Holiness whether Tibet had a flag. His Holiness responded and said yes. To this Chairman Mao said you could keep your flag and fly it along with the Chinese national flag. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said this is an indication of broad- minded thinking.
In conclusion His Holiness hoped that under Hu Jintao, who is young and smart and has experience of Tibet, the situation in Tibet will improve.
His Holiness was welcomed to the City Chamber by Mr. Harry Cohen, the President of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, and Mr. Chris Balance who read out the Edinburgh Declaration on Tibet, which will soon be posted on this website. Mrs. Dolma Gyari, the Vice-Chairperson of the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies expressed the Assembly’s appreciation to the two co-hosts of the convention, the organisors and most importantly to the participants of the convention.
Submitted by EU Coordination Office, Brussels.
