Speaking for some 45 minutes, His Holiness dealt with a wide range of issues. Negotiation, he said, was the only way for Tibetans and China to resolve the problem of Tibet. "We cannot, of course, make a definite prediction and say that such and such things will happen on such and such dates. But, judging by the general world trend, we can see that the truth of the Tibetan cause will prevail soon."

Expressing happiness with the proceedings of the Assembly, he emphasised the need for free and frank discussion. He said that since "We are discussing issues relating to the common welfare of Tibetans, we should speak frankly, and, if necessary, have heated arguments. Luckily, we have had no chair-hurling incidents in our assembly (laughs)."

His Holiness said that people in responsible positions must discuss the mistakes rather than accomplishments. "In 1957 I returned to Tibet from India. ╖ After crossing the Nathula pass, I reached Chumbi Valley. There I said to the Chinese officials that `As responsible people, we should discuss our mistakes and take steps to prevent and rectify them. From now onwards, I will talk about the mistakes made.' I said this in Dromo, Gyangtse, Shigatse and Lhasa. The Chinese were not amused. They probably thought that the Dalai Lama was holding reactionary views (laughs)."

Speaking about the responsibility of the Tibetan Administration, he said that the welfare of the poor Tibetans in exile is the raison d'etre of the offices such as Home, Heath and Education in Dharamsala. The fact that the issue of Tibet has been kept alive is due to the existence of the administration-in-exile, which, in turn, owes it existence to the Tibetan exiles. The Tibetan population in exile may soon reach the 200,000 mark. It is a small number. But if this population is wealthy, educated and determined , we can make things move."

The 7th session of the Assembly began on 16 March with two new members: Trul Lhamo of Dotoe province, who replaced Pema Chinjor, who went on to become a Kalon in charge of the Security Department and Lobsang Tenzin of Domed replaced Tenzin Chodon.

Chinese Leadership Divided On Tibet Issue

Department of Information and International Relations
Central Tibetan Administration
Gangchen Kyishong
Dharamsala 176215
INDIA
[ Homepage ] [ NewsRoom ]



This site is maintained and updated by The Office of Tibet, the official agency of His Holiness His Holiness the Dalai Lama in London. This Web page may be linked to any other Web sites. Contents may not be altered.
Last updated: 22-Mar-99