''US has responsibility to stand up for rights of Tibetans''

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Mar 18 (PTI) The US has a responsibility to stand up for the rights and dignity of the people of Tibet, an influential American Congresswoman has said, while seeking a "respectful solution" to the issue.

"I strongly believe that the United States has a responsibility to stand up for human rights and the rule of law, and I support efforts to address the plight of Tibetans," Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin said on the floor of the US House of Representatives. On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, Baldwin offered support to the thousands of Tibetans living in exile and thousands more who have chosen to stand beside them in the struggle for freedom.

"I support the middle-way approach proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to honour the dignity of both Tibetan and Chinese people and to promote a respectful solution," she said.

"Mr Speaker, March 10 marked the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against the People''s Republic of China, ...there was a small commemoration on Library Mall in Madison with Wisconsin''s Tibetan-American community, which my staff was honoured to attend," the Democratic Congresswoman said.

While the commemoration "serves as a painful but important reminder of China''s prolonged efforts to outlaw dissent, restrict free expression and violently occupy Tibet, it also serves as a symbol of our sustained vigilance, continued determination, and enduring hope that Tibetans everywhere will soon be free to live in peace with their land and culture intact," Baldwin said. Referring to the March 10 statement of the Dalai Lama, she noted that the Tibetan spiritual leader announced that he intends to hand over the last vestiges of his governmental responsibilities to the elected leadership of the Tibetan Government in exile, while remaining a committed advocate for the Tibet cause.

"At a time when despots around the world cling to power as their people yearn for democracy, the Dalai Lama''s willful ceding of power is a tribute to his vision to fulfil the aspirations of the Tibetan people and should inspire others around the world," Baldwin said.


(2011-3-18/news.in.msn.com)