A two-day meeting of the Task Force on Negotiationsx
A two-day meeting of the Task Force on Negotiations
The Kashag issued a press release today regarding the two-day meeting of the Task Force on Negotiations held in Dharamsala from December 31, 2012 to January 1, 2013. The meeting was chaired by Sikyong Lobsang Sangay.
The release states that the meeting reviewed the deepening political crisis in Tibet, specifically the tragic spate of self-immolations, and discussed the urgent need for a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet. The meeting also discussed the changes in the Chinese leadership and their implications on the Tibetan issue.
Thubten Samphel, spokesperson to the Task Force said, 'Substantive assessments were made on the genesis of the Tibetan dialogue process, its future prospects and challenges, based on the situation in Tibet, China, and in the international community. Various constructive opinions were expressed to continue the dialogue. The procedure for appointment of envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was also discussed', however no names were released.
The Kashag press release also stated that the Tibetan leadership remained firmly committed to non-violence and the Middle-Way Approach to the negotiations with China, and strongly believed that the only way to resolve the issue of Tibet is through dialogue. “Substance being primary and process secondary, we are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue anywhere and at anytime”, said Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the exile Tibetan administration.
The Kashag reiterated its appeal for Tibetans not to undertake drastic actions, including self-immolations, and welcomed the statements of concern from the United Nations and various governments on the current situation in Tibet as well as their encouragement for the resumption of dialogue with Beijing.
The Task Force will be reconstituted with additional new members, and a meeting will be convened soon after the National People’s Congress session in March, when the new Chinese leadership will assume full responsibility.
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay Vows Support for Dialogue with China