Resolve Tibet issue through dialogue, reiterates Dalai Lama

DHARAMSALA - Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Wednesday reiterated his commitment to settle the Tibetan issue through dialogue and within the framework of Chinese law.

“Whether the Chinese government acknowledges it or not, there is a serious problem in Tibet…For more than 30 years, I have tried my best to enter into talks with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to resolve the issue of Tibet through the middle-way approach that is of benefit to us both,” the Dalai Lama said in a statement marking the 51st anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

“Although I have clearly articulated Tibetan aspirations, which are in accordance with the constitution of the PRC and the law on national regional autonomy, we have not obtained any concrete result.”

He stressed that the Tibetans continued to favour a dialogue process to resolve the issue but said there is “little hope” that results will be achieved soon going by the attitude of the present Chinese leadership.

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 and established his government-in-exile at McLeodganj near here. It is not recognised by any country.

The 74-year-old leader has been following a “middle-path” policy that demands “greater autonomy” for Tibetans, rather than complete independence. Around 140,000 Tibetans now live in exile, most of them in India.

“It is a matter of pride and satisfaction that our mutually beneficial middle-way approach and the justice of the Tibetan struggle have gained growing understanding and support year by year from many political and spiritual leaders, including the US president,” he said.

“As a free spokesperson of the Tibetan people I have repeatedly spelled out their fundamental aspirations to the leaders of the PRC. Their lack of a positive response is disappointing,” the leader said.

The Dalai Lama’s envoys and the Chinese authorities have held nine rounds of talks since 2002 to try and reach an amicable solution to the Tibetan issue.