Tibetans should be allowed to choose their lamas: US government report/ENG

2018. június 8./Phayul.com/TibetPress

eredeti cikk

By Tenzin Zompa

DHARAMSHALA, JUNE 9: The US government has said that Tibetans should choose Buddhist lamas, including the Dalai Lama, as per their beliefs and without interference from China, the PTI reported.

The Trump administration, in its latest Tibet negotiations report sent to the Congress, expressed concerns about the Chinese government's interference in the selection, education and veneration of Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders.

"The US government believes that respect for Tibetan Buddhists' universal human right of religious freedom dictates that the succession or identification of Tibetan Buddhist lamas, including the Dalai Lama, should occur without interference, in a manner consistent with their beliefs," said the report signed by Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs Mary K Waters.

“The US continues to urge the Chinese Government to revise its policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions, respect and preserve the distinct religious, linguistic and cultural identity of the Tibetan people and permit Tibetans to express their grievances freely, publicly, peacefully and without fear of retribution”, it said.

The report also calls upon the Chinese authorities to allow diplomats, journalists, tourists and others to have unrestricted access to Tibetan areas.

It urged China to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the people in China, including the freedom of movement and the right to leave any country, including one's own.

The report also said the US continues to encourage China to sit down with the representatives of the Dalai Lama for a meaningful and direct dialogue, without preconditions, “to lead to a settlement that resolves differences.”

The US government remains concerned by the lack of meaningful autonomy for Tibetans within China, ongoing violations and abuses of the human rights of Tibetans in China and efforts by Chinese authorities to eliminate the distinct religious, linguistic and cultural identity of Tibetans, the report said.