Kashag’s statement on the 14th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Kashag would like to extend its warm greetings to all the Tibetans and peace loving people on this day of the 14th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness, whenever gets opportunity, educates and encourages the people, politicians and government leaders of the world about his non-violent approach of achieving world peace and resolving every major and minor conflicts amongst the nations and nationalities.

His Holiness, in particular, for the past fifty years has made tremendous and unparalleled contribution towards solving the issue of Tibet based on his middle way approach and mutual benefit for the Tibetan and Chinese people.

The whole world acclaims and supports His Holiness’ great work and his unparalleled service for the immediate and long-term benefit of the Tibetan people. As said by China’s late President Deng Xiaoping "except independence anything can be discussed", His Holiness has clearly stated in his statements to the press and speeches to the Tibetan people that he is making efforts only to achieve for the three traditional provinces of Tibet genuine autonomy rather than independence. However, instead of acknowledging this and contrary to reality, China’s leaders, through their government spokespersons continuously accuse His Holiness of engaging in splittism. This is really unfortunate, as the accusation is baseless and driven by China’s lack of trust and misunderstanding of His Holiness’ open thoughts and service.

Since the Tibetan government in exile under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has already decided to establish while in exile in India and in future Tibet a political system based on non-violent principles, we have never initiated and have no plans in future to initiate campaigns both within and outside Tibet that would be contrary to the principles of non-violence. Despite of that the Chinese government has recently made a statement about having undertaken a so-called anti-terror military exercise to "prevent and strike hard on terrorists and to achieve stability in Tibet". This statement is baseless and untrue.

We again urge the Chinese government to accept the reality and start an immediate Sino-Tibetan dialogue based on the mutual benefit of both the Tibetan and the Chinese people.

The Kashag also deeply appreciates Tibetans inside Tibet for making their best efforts to preserve Tibet’s unique culture and tradition notwithstanding China’s systematic destruction of it. They do this by sending their children to monasteries to study Buddhism and to schools that provide Tibetan education, by renovating and building new monasteries and by continuously celebrating Buddhist festivals.

We also urge exiled Tibetan students and their parents to use all their opportunities to study modern education and preserve Tibet’s unique culture and tradition. We urge the elder Tibetans to inculcate in the hearts of young Tibetans Tibet’s traditional good habits and moral behaviour.

As the Government of Himachal Pradesh and Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, Dharamsala, have also organised an International Himalayan Festival to be coincided with the anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we take this opportunity to thank the Government and people of Himachal Pradesh for providing so far every support and assistance to the Tibetans.

We, in particular, on behalf of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the Tibetan people at large extend our deep gratitude to the central and state governments of India and their people, to all the nations of the world and their governmental and non-governmental organisations and to all the individuals who have shown and continue to show deep concern at a time when Tibetans face worst problems unprecedented in their history.

We appeal to the Government and people of India and to all the nations of the world to continue their support and assistance till the issue of Tibet is resolved.

Finally, we pray for the long life and fulfillment of all the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for the day when Tibetans inside and outside Tibet will be reunited.

The Kashag,

10 Dec. 2003.

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