After the ninth round of talks with Chinese leaders on Tibet. Envoys of the exiled Tibetan leader Dalai Lama said Tuesday they had urged China in talks last week to stop labelling the exiled Tibetan leader a separatist, and to engage with him on resolving Tibet's future.
In a statement issued a day after their return from China, the two envoys said they had refuted Beijing's portrait of the Dalai Lama as a pro-independence activist bent on personal and political empowerment.
"The Note made clear that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other members of the exiled leadership have no personal demands to make. His Holiness’ concern is with the rights and welfare of the Tibetan people. Therefore, the fundamental issue that needs to be resolved is the faithful implementation of genuine autonomy that will enable the Tibetan people to govern themselves in accordance with their own genius and needs."
"His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks on behalf of the Tibetan people, with whom he has a deep and historical relationship and one based on full trust. It cannot be disputed that His Holiness legitimately represents the Tibetan people, and he is certainly viewed as their true representative and spokesperson by them. It is indeed only by means of dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama that the Tibetan issue can be resolved. The recognition of this reality is important." The envoys said in the statement.
"We emphasised the point that His Holiness’ engagement for the cause of Tibet is not for the purpose of claiming certain personal rights or political position for himself, nor attempting to stake claims for the Tibetan Administration in Exile." The statement continued.
"We called upon the Chinese side to stop the baseless accusations against His Holiness and labeling him a separatist. Instead, we urge the Chinese leadership to work with him to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Tibetan problem based on the Memorandum. This will ensure stability, unity and the development of a harmonious society," the statement added.
Special Envoys Lodi G. Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen accompanied by Tenzin P. Atisha, Bhuchung K. Tsering, and Jigmey Passang, returned from China on Monday after six days of talks -- the ninth round of meetings since the two sides started their secretive dialogue in 2002.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Tibetnet.