High time to investigate the real causes of self-immolations says the Dalai Lama/ENG

2012. április 17./Phayul.com/TibetPress

By Tendar Tsering

DHARAMSHALA, April 17: Speaking at a press conference in the American state of Hawaii, the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday said it is high time that China began to investigate the real causes of the self-immolations in Tibet.

“Now the time comes for the Chinese authority to investigate what are the real causes,” the Dalai Lama said referring to the ongoing wave of self-immolations inside Tibet.

Since 2009, the wave of self-immolations in Tibet has witnessed 34 Tibetans set their bodies on fire demanding the return the Dalai Lama from exile and freedom in Tibet. Major protests involving thousands of Tibetans in recent months have been brutally suppressed with indiscriminate firing and arrests.

However, drawing from the reformist statements made by the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in recent times, the Tibetan spiritual leader said he is hopeful of reformation and change in China.

Referring to Wen’s statements and the recent crackdown on corruption in China, the Dalai Lama said “majority of the Chinese leadership is thinking seriously of some change.”

“That is a hopeful thing,” the Dalai Lama added.

Arriving in Hawaii on Friday, His Holiness has been engaged in talks with high school and college students, encouraging compassionate and responsible behaviour and has participated in panel discussion with native Hawaiian leaders on “the Importance of Native Intelligence in Modern Times.”

The 76-year old Tibetan leader also gave a public talk on “Advancing Peace through the power of Aloha,” a talk centering around the role of peace and compassion in daily life.

In honour of the Nobel Peace Laureate’s visit, Hawaii’s Governor, Neil Abercrombie, presented His Holiness with a proclamation declaring April 15, 2012 as “Dalai Lama Day.”

The Dalai Lama will begin the second leg of his tour beginning April 18 and is scheduled to attend three sold-out public events on his first ever visit to San Diego.