Political Quotes

“This was 1998. It is now 10 years later. And no discussion. I have tried my level best but no discussion, no ability for the leader of 6 million people, part of China, to be able to sit down and discuss them. So the events over the last month have been tragic. But if I think of the frustration that has built up over 40 years, of a leader who has renounced violence, who has proposed a middle way, it is shocking to me. Since 2002, six sets of talks have occurred between the Dalai Lama's representative, namely his special envoy, Lodi Gyari, and the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China, but no progress has resulted. Now, to bring this issue to a settlement, the leaders must be involved. I deeply believe it is in the interests of both the Chinese Government and the Tibetan people for the leaders to sit down and negotiate how to bring about meaningful cultural and religious autonomy for the Tibetan people and faith. This is essentially what this resolution attempts to do in a constructive way.”