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STATEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA TO ALL TIBETANS

Dharamsala
April 6, 2008

While extending my warm greetings to all the Tibetans in Tibet, I would like
to share some of my thoughts.

> 1. Since March 10 this year, we have witnessed protests and demonstrations in
almost all parts of Tibet, even in a few cities in Mainland China by students,
which are the outburst of long pent-up physical and mental anguish of the
Tibetans and the feeling of deep resentment against the suppression of the
rights of Tibetan people, lack of religious freedom and for trying to distort
the truth at every occasion, such as saying that Tibetans look towards the
Chinese Communist Party as the "Living Buddha", is an ultra leftist statement
and smacks of Han chauvinism. I am very much saddened and concerned by the use
of arms to suppress the peaceful demonstrations of Tibetan people's aspirations
that have resulted in unrest in Tibet, causing many deaths, and much more
causalities, detention, and injury. Such suppression and suffering are very
unfortunate and tragic which will reduce any compassionate person to tears. I,
however, feel helpless in the face of these tragic incidents.
>
> 2. I pray for all the Tibetans as well as Chinese who have lost their lives
during the current crisis.
>
> 3. The recent protests all over Tibet have not only contradicted but also
shattered the People Republic of China¹s propaganda that except for a few
"reactionaries", the majority of Tibetans enjoy a prosperous and contented life.
These protests have made it very clear that Tibetans in the three provinces of
Tibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harbor the same aspirations and hopes. These
protests have also conveyed to the world that the Tibet issue can no longer be
neglected. These protests highlight the need to find a way to resolve the issue
through "finding truth from facts". The courage and determination of those
Tibetans who have, for the greater interests of Tibetan people, demonstrated
their deep anguish and hopes by risking everything is very commendable as the
world community has acknowledged and supported the spirit of these Tibetans.
>
> 4. I deeply appreciate the acts of many Tibetan government employees and
Communist Party cadres who have, without losing their Tibetan identity, shown
grit and sense of what is right during the present crisis. In future, I would
appeal to the Tibetan Party cadres and government employees not to look always
for their personal benefit, but to work for safeguarding the larger interests of
Tibet by reporting the real sentiments of the Tibetan people to their superiors
in the Party and try to give unbiased guidance to the Tibetan people.
>
> 5. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates,
Parliamentarians, and concerned citizens from every part of the world have been
sending clear and strong messages to the Chinese leadership to stop the present
ongoing harsh crackdown against the Tibetan people. They have all been
encouraging the Chinese government to follow a path where a mutually beneficial
solution could be reached. We should create an opportunity for their efforts to
bring out positive results. I know you are being provoked at every level but it
is important to stick to our non-violent practice.
>
> 6. The Chinese authorities have been making false allegations against myself
and the Central Tibetan Administration for instigating and orchestrating the
recent events in Tibet. These allegations are totally untrue. I have made
repeated appeals for an independent and respected international body to conduct
a thorough investigation into the matter. I am sure this independent body will
uncover the truth. If the People¹s Republic of China has any basis and proof of
evidence to back their allegations, they need to disclose these to the world.
Just making allegations is not enough.
>
> 7. For the future of Tibet, I have decided to find a solution within the
framework of the People's Republic of China. Since 1974, I have sincerely
remained steadfast to the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The whole
world knows this. The Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be
governed by similar administration that enjoys meaningful National Regional
Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full decision-making,
except for matters concerning foreign relations and national defense. However, I
have said it from the beginning that the Tibetans in Tibet have the right to
make the final decision for the future of Tibet.
>
> 8. The hosting of the Olympic games this year is a matter of great pride to
the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the very beginning supported the
holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged. I feel
the Tibetans should not cause any hindrance to the Games. It is the legitimate
right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights. On the other
hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will
create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people. On the contrary, we need to
foster trust and respect in our hearts in order to create a harmonious society,
as this cannot be built on the basis of force and intimidation.
>
> 9. Our struggle is with a few in the leadership of the People's Republic of
China and not with the Chinese people. Therefore we should never cause
misunderstanding or do something that will hurt the Chinese people. Even during
this difficult situation, many Chinese intellectuals, writers and lawyers in
Mainland China and other parts of the world have sympathized and shown us their
solidarity by issuing statements, writing articles and offering pledges of
support that is overwhelming. I have recently issued an appeal to the Chinese
people all over the world on 28th March, which I hope you will hear and read.
>
> 10. If the present situation in Tibet continues, I am very much concerned that
the Chinese government will unleash more force and increase the suppression of
Tibetan people. Because of my moral obligation and responsibility to the Tibetan
people, I have repeatedly asked the concerned leadership of the PRC to
immediately stop their suppression in all parts of Tibet and withdraw its armed
police and troops. If this brings result, I would also advise the Tibetans to
stop all the current protests.
>
> 11. I want to urge my fellow Tibetans who live in freedom outside Tibet to be
extra vigilant as they voice their feelings on the developments in Tibet. We
should not engage in any action that could be even remotely interpreted as
violent. Even under the most provocative of situations we must not allow our
most precious and deeply held values to be compromised. I firmly believe that we
will achieve success through our non-violent path. We must be wise to understand
where the unprecedented affection and support for our cause stems from.
>
> 12. As Tibet is currently virtually closed and no international media is
allowed there, I doubt my message will reach the Tibetans in Tibet. But I hope
through media and by word of mouth, it will be passed on to the majority of you.
>
> 13. Finally, I want to reiterate and appeal once again to Tibetans to practice
non-violence and not waver from this path, however serious the situation might
be.
>
>
> The Dalai Lama
>
>
>
> (N.B. Translated from the Tibetan original)
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------
> Tsewang Phuntso
> Liaison Officer - Latin America
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>
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