Dalai Lama offers to work with China to resolve Tibet dispute

Kasur Lodi Gyari, the special envoy of the Dalai Lama, along with four other members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile's task force, visited China from January 26 to 31 to hold the ninth round of discussions with representatives of the Chinese leadership.

In a press release, Gyari says that the delegation met Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Du Qinglin and Executive Vice Minister Zhu Weiqun.

The Dalai Lama's representatives handed over a note about the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for All Tibetans containing seven points that addressed the fundamental issues raised by the Chinese leadership and some constructive suggestions for a way forward in the dialogue process.

The seven points include respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China, respecting the constitution of the PRC and respecting the hierarchy and authority of the Chinese government.

The delegation also offered the Dalai Lama's cooperation to find a mutually beneficial solution to resolve the Tibet crisis.

The note clarified that the Buddhist spiritual leader and the exiled leadership were only concerned about the rights and welfare of the Tibetan people, and had no personal demands from the communist regime.

The pro-Tibet activists again put forth their demand that autonomy should be granted to Tibet, so that the Tibetan people are able to govern themselves.

Refuting China's allegations that the Dalai Lama was meddling in its internal affairs, the delegation noted that the Buddhist leader had a deep and historical relationship with the Tibetan people, and is viewed as their true representative and spokesperson. It clarified that the Dalai Lama had no intention of being part of the Tibetan administration or assuming a political position.

The Chinese government presented 'Four Not to Indulge In' points to outline their position. They also provided a detailed briefing on recent developments related to Tibet and laid down their plans to improve the livelihood of Tibetans.

In spite of acknowledging China's developmental efforts in Tibet, Gyari concedes that there are major differences between the two sides due to conflicting viewpoints on the current situation inside Tibet.  The delegation has suggested that a common effort to study the situation at the ground level must be undertaken by both sides.