Dharamsala, June 4 – The 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China presents a great opportunity for the People’s Republic of China to review the events of June 4,1989, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
In message issued on the 20th anniversary of the Tiananemen Square students’ democracy movement of 1989, the Tibetan leader who is currently on Europe tour, expressed his respects for those who died fighting for democracy. The Tibetan leader said the students were not against communism or socialism. “Their speaking out in defence of the Chinese people’s constitutional rights, in favour of democracy, and taking a stand against corruption, truly conformed to the underlying beliefs of the Chinese Communist government.”
His Holiness expressed hopes that the Chinese leaders have “the courage and far-sightedness to embrace more truly egalitarian principles and pursue a policy of greater accommodation and tolerance of diverse views.
A policy of openness and realism can lead to greater trust and harmony within China and enhance its international standing as a truly great nation, the Tibetan leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize in the same year added.
