The Tibet Post International

Page1 Obama Dalai Lama meeting Page 2 A book release by the Prime Minister of Tibet Page 3 No Celebration for losar Page 4 Tibetan Monks Joyful Page 5 Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy Page 7 Democracy Award

Prime Minister of Tibet Page 4....

Vol. 01, Issue 12, 27 February 2010

DEMOCRACY AWARD

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Obama Meets His Holiness: Supportive Dialogue Angers Beijing

Dalai Lama Awarded in US Despite China Anger WASHINGTON - The Dalai Lama was

bestowed Friday with a US award for his commitment to democracy, the latest honour for the Tibetan spiritual leader despite China's angry protests over his White House welcome.

One day after President Barack Obama met ...See page 7

Tibet New Year

President Barack Obama meets with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Map Room of the White House on 18 February 2010.Photo: White House.

Dharamshala: US President Barack Obama met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the first time yesterday, provoking an angry response from the China.The meeting took place in private in Washington, in the White House's Map Room, as opposed to the Oval Office, where the President usually meets international leaders. .........See page 3

Call For Release Of China’s “Olympic Big Turnout for Incense Prisoners” During Vancouver Games

13th Dalai Lama Exile to India

Burning Ceremony on the Fourth Day of Losar Dharamshala: The ceremony began early in morning with traditional chanting from monks and nuns, and the offering of the white scarf to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's picture, and finished with the .....See page 2

GENOCIDE IN TIBET

The 13th Dhalai lama of Tibet ............ See detail on page 6

TIBETAN SETTLEMENTS RAs Vancouver prepares to inaugurate the 2010 Winter Olympics tomorrow, China continues to detain human rights activists, journalists and bloggers who were arrested for speaking out before, during and after the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

One Tibetan Sentenced To Death and Two to Long-Term Imprisonment in Eastern Tibet Dharamshala: The Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), in Dharamshala, India, reports that three Tibetans from Thangkyil township, Karze prefecture (Chinese name), eastern Tibet, have received harsh court sentences.

According to TCHRD, on 17 November 2009, Karze Municipal Intermediate People's Court sentenced Pema Yeshe (29) from Nyidha village, to a two-year suspended death penalty. Tsewang Gyatso (33) received ......See page 4

"Dozens of Chinese families continue to suffer the awful effects of the last Olympics because a loved-one is still in jail for using the fundamental right to free expression," Reporters Without Borders said. "Unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee and its president, Jacques Rogge, are doing nothing to obtain the release of these innocent people, whose ordeal is a stain on the Olympics' reputation."

Reporters Without Borders has sent a petition to Rogge asking him to intercede with the Chinese authorities and seek the release of the "Olympic prisoners" during the Vancouver Games. Signed by more than 1,600 Internet users, the petition urges Rogge "to speak up and to act in defence of free expression."

Reporters Without Borders will give copies of the petition to Chinese embassies in Paris and Berlin tomorrow. The petition also urges Chinese President Hu Jintao to ask the competent authorities in China to release the "Olympic prisoners." More information about the "Olympic prisoners": http://www.rsf.org/en-petition34043-Olympic_prisoners.html

Tibetan Settlement Conference gets Underway Dharamshala: The 6th Biennial Conference of Tibetan Settlement Officers' on Administration began today in Gankyi staff Mess Hall, Dharamsala. It was organised by the Department Home of the Central Tibetan Administration. The Tibetan Prime Minister .....Detail on page 2

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27 February , 2010 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

Acho Namgyal Documentary Premieres in Dharamshala

commentaries. The film features authentic costumes, Lhasa dialect and culture, with location filming in Ladakh to stand in for Tibet.

The Tibet Post

New Book Documents Protests in Tehor Region

......continued from frontpage "I began to collect music, stories from musicians, interviews with artists, and audios and videos of Tibetan music in the late 1980s," said Sonam Tashi. "I was very fortunate to be able to interview the late Maja Tsewang Gyurme, Sampho Rinpoche, Nornang, Sholkhang Sonam Dargyal, and Tashi Tsering, whom I call Tibetan treasures.

"From them I gathered wonderful stories of the Nangma and Toeshey music festivals, the aristocrats' banquets, picnics in Lhasa's many parks, and of musical jam sessions with Acho Namgyal."

A few years ago, Sonam Tashi cofounded the group Nangma Boekyi Solgyun Rolyang and toured North America. The tour was intended to educate the younger generation and to remind elders of the good old days of the past.

"Throughout this tour I met many Tibetan youths who took an interest in singing Nangma and Toeshey," said the director. "This persuaded me that I should seriously try to do some concrete work in promoting and preserving these particular genres."

Dharamshala: A new documentary about the life of blind Tibetan musician Acho Namgyal received its world premiere on February 20 at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Dharamsala, India. Director Sonam Tashi spent two years filming in the US, Switzerland and India to

tell the story Acho Namgyal and the roots of the Nangma and Toeshey genres of Tibetan classical music.

The film features actors from the Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts, Dharamsala, and was funded by a grant from the Galen and Barbara Rowell Fund, administered by ict and film-makers Eric and Vivica Henningsen.

The 80-minute documentary was edited from more than 15 years of research and ten hours of eyewitness accounts and professional

For more information on the film and the music, visit www.achonamg yal.com and www.nangmatoeshey.com

Tibetan Settlement Conference gets Underway ......continued from frontpage Samdhong Rinpoche and other ministers of departments of government are attending, along with the heads and coordinators of Tibetan settlements all across India, Nepal and Bhutan.

At the conference, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche began the conference by giving a speech on behalf of his cabinet: "We Tibetan refugees, unlike other political refugees in other countries, have been able to effectively preserve our culture, politics and livelihood. We can attribute this to the integrity of Tibetan settlements."

The Prime Minister commended His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for establishing Tibetan schools for refugees, "after 50 years we look back and can see their vision

and how it has helped to shape our community." The Prime Minister further praised the Tibetan settlers keeping Tibetan identity and culture active in the exile community.

The two day long meeting is being held to review the fifty year history of the exiles, and to lay down a clear agenda for future work based on these past experiences.

The Prime Minister concluded his speech by talking about the Tibetan refugee status in India, "as India has not signed any international agreements for refugee rights, the Tibetan status is not protected by international law. There is nothing specified in the Indian constitution that relates to our status as refugees.

However, since the first refugees arrived here, we have been provided with refugee and foreign status."

Dharamshala: Tehor Association today celebrated the launch of its new book, Peaceful Protest: a Continuous Wave of Bravery.

The book is an account of the historic protests by the people of Tehor in Eastern Tibet against Chinese rule which took place between March 2008 and June 2009.

It covers the brutal Chinese crackdown on the protests, with biographies of protestors killed in the conflict and in detainment, as well as a survey of the Chinese military outposts in Tibet.

Speaking on behalf of the Tibetan Cabinet, the Prime Minister thanked all the volunteers who were involved in the production of the not-for-

profit book., and spoke to attendees of the importance of written documentation of these events.

"Tibet's struggle for its politics, religious culture and community has continued for 60 years, and is almost out of memory. Records of these events are very rare so it is very important to keep a written factual account, in order to keep a standardised history," the Prime Minister said.

The ceremony took place in Gangchen Kyishong, at the residence of the Tibetan Government in Exile.

Also attending the ceremony were Penpa Tsering and Dolma Gyari, the speaker and deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, along with representatives of NGOs.

Big Turnout for Incense Burning Ceremony on the Fourth Day of Losar ......continued from frontpage Tibetan national anthem. Few celebrations were seen, as His Holiness the Dalia Lama had previously urged Tibetans to eschew all celebrations except traditional and religious rituals.

In Ngawa County, Eastern Tibet, Tibetans protested against Chinese rule by eating only plain foods, like tsampa and bread, instead of the feast traditional on Losar.

13th Dalai Lama’s Exile to India Commemorated in Dharamsala The Tibetan Government-in-exile

with neighbouring countries, so the

this morning marked the centenary of the 13th Dalai Lama

centenary of his exile is well worth remembering, especially by those in

Thupten Gyaltso’s exile to India.

The ceremony was held at

government.

“It was the fifth Dalai Lama who

sreturn to Tibet, and this anniversary should also be marked, along with our own dreams of returning home to join our countrypeople.”

Tsuglagkang, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s main temple in

Mr Penpa Tsering, Chairman of the founded the first Tibetan government, Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, related the Gaden Podang. He had many the life story of the 13th Dalai

Dharamsala, India. It was attended by officials from the

plans to improve his country.

Unfortunately he was not supported

three strands of the governmentin-exile - the assembly, the cabinet

by his compatriots, and his successors faced many subsequent invasions

and the judiciary - together with non-government organizations.

from Nepal, China and Britain.

“In 1912,” the Prime Minister continued, “the Chinese were ousted

Prime Minister Professor Samdhong Rinpoche told the audience that, in 1910, the Chinese Manchu Dynasty invaded th

Tibet, driving the 13 Dalai Lama into exile.

“The 13th Dalai Lama worked assiduously for Tibet,” he said, “and maintained good relations

Lama.

He said that when he returned to Tibet, the 13th Dalai Lama instituted many changes to government policy, based on his experiences in India, regarding, for example, tax laws, and hunting and forestry regulation.

from Tibet, and the 13th Dalai Lama declared it an independent state.

He also sanctioned the founding of tea plantations, and the introduction

“All countries mark the anniversaries of important figures and their deeds,

of electricity supply and telephony.

Mr Penpa Tsering concluded that we

and the Tibetan Government-in-exile is correct to do the same.”The Prime

must maintain previous advances in Tibet and Tibetan culture, but also

Minister concluded that, “2012 will be respond to changing times, as did the the centenary of the 13th Dalai Lama’s 13th Dalai Lama.

The Tibet Post

TPI DALAI LAMA

His Holiness Urges Tibetans Not to Celebrate New Year

Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on Sunday sent out wishes for a prosperous the Tibetan New Year, after a religious ceremony in Dharamshala. His Holiness also urged Tibetans on Sunday not to celebrate the Tibetan New Year (Losar) as Tibetans from inside Tibet declared that they will not celebrate the new year.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, who greeted thousands of Tibetans in the main Buddhist temple in the north Indian town of Dharamshala at the start of what would otherwise be a two-week New

Year celebration, said the gesture was to honor those in Tibet. "We have heard some voices inside Tibet that they will not celebrate the New Year. We should respect and abide by that call," His Holiness said, speaking in Tibetan.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama supporting the Tibetan government-in-exile has requested the exiled Tibetans to not carry out a grand celebration, due to the tense situation prevailing in Tibet."We are not celebrating the New Year, in a very grand way; we are only performing the religious ceremony and rituals. I wish all the

Tibetans inside and outside Tibet and also forward my greetings of the Tibetan New Year to all followers in Himalayan regions, and to all the friends and Buddhist followers," His Holiness said.

Emerging from the hour-long meeting, His Holiness told reporters he "very happy" with the session, saying he spoke to President Obama about the promotion of human value, religious harmony, a greater leadership role for women around the world and the concerns of the Tibetan people. He said the President was "very much supportive."

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said, "The President commended the Dalai Lama's 'Middle Way' approach, his commitment to non-violence and his pursuit of dialogue with the Chinese government."

Washington kept the talks low-key because it does not wish to exacerbate current tensions with China over issues such as US weapons sales to Taiwan, currency policy, trade disputes and internet censorship.

Further, President Obama is seeking to avoid compromise to his efforts to secure China's help in imposing tougher sanctions on Iran and North Korea for their nuclear programmes, and forging a new global accord on climate change.

The Dalai Lama's envoy, Lodi Gyari, said even a private meeting with Obama was a boost for Tibetans feeling marginalized by China.

Michael Green, former President George Bush's senior Asia advisor commented, "The Chinese government is preoccupied with protocol and how things look. The fact that (His Holiness and President Obama) spent time

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His Holiness The Dalai Lama Preaches Peace, Compassion in Florida Tibet's spiritual and political leader, His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, spoke Wednesday about compassion and the benefits of positivity to 3,500 people at Florida Atlantic University's Arena in Boca Raton.

emphasized.

"Out of compassion brings inner peace, and out of inner peace comes world peace. Without inner peace, we cannot have world peace," His Holiness said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke for nearly 45 minutes and took questions prepared by students, faculty and staff of the university for 15 minutes.

His Holiness said everyone has the same capabilities for inner peace and compassion. If a person is

In helping to achieve inner peace, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said meditation works best for him. His

always in constant fear and suspicion, that's "very bad," His Holiness said. Everyone has the same capacity for kindness, His Holiness added.

Holiness rises at 3:30 a.m. and recites a Buddhist prayer to begin his day.

An additional 2,500 students, faculty and staff viewed Tenzin Gyatso, the 74-year-old exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader, by simulcast in the auditorium.

"I would only say that every Tibetan and Buddhist follower should study and learn Buddhist philosophy, and study modern culture and Tibetan philosophy. So, this is the most important message I would give today to Tibetan and Buddhist followers in the Himalayan region and others," he added.

Obama Meets His Holiness: Supportive Dialogue Angers Beijing

......continued from frontpage The choice of venue has been widely interpreted as an attempt to appease the Chinese government in Beijing, which considers His Holiness to be a separatist and believes that official foreign contact with him infringes on China's sovereignty over Tibet

27 February , 2010 Dharamsala

together in an intimate setting means everything for the Tibetan cause."

Predictably, Beijing responded angrily to the meeting. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in an official statement, "The behaviour of the US side seriously interferes in China's internal politics and seriously hurts the national feelings of the Chinese people."

He added that the meeting "violated the US government's repeated acceptance that Tibet is a part of China and that it does not support Tibetan independence".

The White House has defended the decision to receive His Holiness, saying he is "an internationally respected religious leader".

His Holiness has met every sitting US President since 1991, with each visit provoking criticism from Beijing.

"To me, the audience is brothers and sisters - no difference," he said.

"Emotionally, mentally and physically we are the same.

Negative emotions - anger, fear suspicion [are the] same. Other hand, we have the same potential for compassion. Compassion is the seed of inner peace. We all have the same potential."

Showing compassion to an enemy helps to achieve inner peace, and "Neighbors with jealousy never get peace," His Holiness the Dalai Lama said.

Smiling often and genuinely is another key to finding compassion and inner peace, and the more positive you are, the better you feel, His Holiness pleaded.

"Scientists begin to realize - for physical health - reduce blood pressure, reduce anxiety, reduce fear .... calm is very, very important," the Dalai Lama

A necessary component for compassion: intelligence. Looking at situations only from only one angle brings worry and frustration. But looking at things from different angles "brings new opportunities," the exiled Tibetan leader added.

FAU's Manjunath Pendakur, dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, said, "This is a major boost to work harder .... in the cause of peace.

This is a momentous day in the history of the university. We are humbled and enriched by it."

John Pritchett, FAU's interim president, welcomed everyone to this "historical event."

Pritchett called Nobel Laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama "a living example of all the good that can be accomplished in this world by one person - a person with courage, a person with conviction to raise his voice for peace."

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TPI TIBET

27 February , 2010 Dharamsala

The Tibet Post

His Holiness to Meet Obama Learning is the Only Way to Preserve Tibetan Today: Beijing Angry, Tibetan Language: Samdhong Rinpoche Dharamshala: Tibetan Language raise questions regarding these topics. language and Buddhism, arguing Monks Joyful that, "Theravada and Mahayana Inheritance society observed the UNESCO International Mother Language Day in Yongling School Hall, Mcleod Ganj yesterday. A panel discussion was also organized on the topic of the preservation of the Tibetan language.

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived yesterday in Washington, and is due to meet US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton later today.

Tibetans traditionally set off fireworks at Losar, but many of the monks in Rebkong said they were also marking the Dalai Lama's scheduled visit to the White House.

His Holiness was driven from Dulles International Airport to a downtown hotel under tight security, where he greeted local Tibetans celebrating the new-year festival of Losar.

"My heart is filled with joy," one monk, Johkang, told Reuters.

"It is so important for us that this is happening, that the US has not given in to threats and will meet our leader."

The Washington visit has been condemned by China, with claims that it will undermine US-Chinese relations, but the US has refused to cancel it.

"I'm very excited about who the Dalai Lama is going to meet," said a local Tibetan woman, "but I worry about what measures the government could take against us in retaliation."

Tensions between Beijing and Washington have been rising of late, over issues ranging from trade and currencies to a US plan to sell $6.4 billion of weapons to self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province.

Another monk, Tedan, spoke proudly of the His Holiness' Nobel Peace Prize, awarded in 1989.

"That the 1.3 billion Han Chinese have never had one of their number win a Nobel prize and that we have, with just 6 million people, says Meanwhile in Chinese-occupied something powerful," he said. "Now Rebkong (Chinese name Tongren), you understand why we love him so just outside the Tibet Autonomous much."

Region and close to His Holiness' birthplace, Buddhist monks last night After the Washington meetings, His celebrated the Washington visit with Holiness' ten-day US tour will take a defiant midnight firework display. him to Los Angeles and Florida.

Tibetan Prime Minister Pro Samdhong Rinpoche gave a talk on the approaches of preserving Tibetan language, while Karma Monlam, Joint Secretary of the Joint Education Department, spoke of the translation of new vocabulary into Tibetan, and Master Sonam Gyaltsen of the Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies described the structure of Tibetan grammar. Over 100 people attended the discussion and were invited to

Pro Samdhong Rinpoche stressed the importance of a single written language, without diminishing the variety of dialects among different

regions of Tibet, "it is alright to speak with your own dialect, but it is very important to have a common written script to keep the language integrated." He commented on the strong connection between Tibetan

Dharamshala: The Tibetan Government-in-exile Thursday afternoon held a panel discussion to mark the centenary of the 13th Dalai Lama Thupten Gyaltso's exile to India from 1910-1911.

The event was held at the staff mess hall of Gangchen Kyishong, the

Mr Bawa Kalsang Gyaltsen spoke about the historical "patron-priest" relationship between Tibet's Gaden Podang government and the Chinese Manchu Dynasty, and the 13th Dalai Lama's restoration of Tibetan independence in 1913, upon his return from exile.

He also discussed the Tibet-

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister said, "The only way to preserve Tibetan language is to learn it. If we Tibetans encourage our children to learn the Tibetan language, then it will be preserved."

He also joked about the Tibetan language internationalizing, saying "the Tibetan language will not disintegrate, as it has already become an international language, but if it is not preserved, we Tibetans may have to learn it back from blonde-haired, blue-eyed foreigners, but this would be a shame on us."

Police Arrests Seventeen Tibetan Refugees at Tibet-Nepal Border Dharamshala: Nepali Police on Thursday arrested 17 more Tibetan refugees while they were crossing from Lamabagar of Dolakha district, near TibetNepali Border.

and the day after, the district police plans to hand the arrested Tibetans over to immigration department in Kathmandu on Monday.

The arrested Tibetan refugees, who entered through Nepal's open border with Tibet, include 10 men and 7 women. They did not possess travel documents, Nepal News said.

"A police team from Gogar police post had arrested the Tibetans fleeing Chinese rule in Tibet on Thursday evening and handed them over to the District Police Office.

As there is public holiday tomorrow

Mongolia Treaty of 1913, in which the two countries recognized each other's independence, after the collapse of the Manchu Dynasty in 1911.

Mr Naga Sangay Tendar went on to talk about the 13th Dalai Lama's experiences of exile.

In 1904, Great Britain sent a military expedition to Tibet and the Dalai Lama fled to Mongolia for a year.

He subsequently visited Beijing, China, and returned to Tibet in 1908. In 1910, the Manchu Dynasty sent its own military expedition to Lhasa, and the Dalai Lama fled to India.

Mr Naga Sangay described the 13th Dalai Lama's return to Tibet after

Last Saturday, police had arrested four Tibetans from the same place in Dolakha while they were crossing Tibe-Nepal border.

Prior to that, 10 Tibetans were arrested by the police while they were entering Nepal without valid travel documents from Tibet via Lamabagar in Dolakha district on Jan 17.

The arrested Tibetans now face either deportation to Tibet, imprisonment in the country or would be handed over to United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)."

Tibetan Government-in-exile Celebrates 13th Dalai Lama’s Historical Role government's headquarters in Dharamsala, India, and was addressed

by Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche, Tibetan scholar Naga Sangay Tendar, and researcher and MP Bawa Kalsang Gyaltsen.

Buddhism are only able to be fully studied in the Tibetan language. This is also true of Tibetan Medical and astrological teaching, which have a great potential to serve humanity."

the Xinhai Chinese Revolution of 1911, during which the Manchu Dynasty was overthrown. He spoke about Tibet's reassertion of independence, and the lack of political support from neighbouring countries in the early 20th century.

Mr Naga Sangay's address sought to counter the propaganda disseminated by contemporary Chinese history books about that era.

Summarising the discussion, Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche highlighted how the 13th Dalai Lama's life encompassed an important era of Tibetan history, and commended him for his role in keeping the Tibetan state intact.

Nepal is home to around 20,000 exiled Tibetans. They began arriving in large numbers after Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama fled Tibet following a failed uprising in 1959.

Following strong pressure from the communist regime of China, Nepal has forced to tighten up security along its border with Tibet.

.. Sentenced To Death ......continued from frontpage life imprisonment, and Sonam Gonpo (25) was given a 16-year term. The latter two both worked as school cooks in Thangkyil. All three were charged with violating state security and engaging in separatist activities.

TCHRD reports that Karze police arrested the three on March 11 last year, under suspicion of posting pro-Tibetan independence slogans in Thangkyil township, and setting fire to its local government office.

Since their arrests, Pema Yeshe has been held in Dartsedho county detention centre, whilst Sonam and Tsewang have been detained in a Deyang region prison, in so-called "Chiese Sichuan" province.

The Tibet Post

TPICHINA-TIBET TALKS

Note on the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People Introduction

Dharamshala: Note on the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People was formally presented by the Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to their Chinese counterparts during the ninth round of dialogue in Beijing, PRC. This Note addresses the principal concerns and objections raised by the Chinese Central Government regarding the substance of the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People (hereinafter ‘the Memorandum') which was presented to the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on October 31, 2008 at the eighth round of talks in Beijing.

Having carefully studied the responses and reactions of Minister Du Qinglin and Executive Vice-Minister Zhu Weiqun conveyed during the talks, including the written Note, and in statements made by the Chinese Central Government following the talks, it seems that some issues raised in the Memorandum may have been misunderstood, while others appear to have not been understood by the Chinese Central Government.

The Chinese Central Government maintains that the Memorandum contravenes the Constitution of the PRC as well as the ‘three adherences'[1]. The Tibetan side believes that the Tibetan people's needs, as set out in the Memorandum, can be met within the framework and spirit of the Constitution and its principles on autonomy and that these proposals do not contravene or conflict with the ‘three adherences'.

We believe that the present Note will help to clarify this.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama started internal discussions, as early as in 1974,

to find ways to resolve the future status of Tibet through an autonomy arrangement instead of seeking independence. In 1979 Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping expressed willingness to discuss and resolve all issues except the independence of Tibet. Since then His Holiness the Dalai Lama has taken numerous initiatives to bring about a mutually acceptable negotiated solution to the question of Tibet. In doing so His Holiness the Dalai Lama has steadfastly followed the Middle-Way approach, which means the pursuit of a mutually acceptable and mutually beneficial solution through negotiations, in the spirit of reconciliation and compromise. The Five-Point Peace Plan and the Strasbourg Proposal were presented in this spirit. With the failure to elicit any positive response from the Chinese Central Government to these initiatives, along with the imposition of martial law in March 1989 and the deterioration of the situation in Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama felt compelled to state in 1991 that his Strasbourg Proposal had become ineffectual.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama nevertheless maintained his commitment to the Middle-Way approach.

The re-establishment of a dialogue process between the Chinese Central Government and representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2002 provided the opportunity for each side to explain their positions and to gain a better understanding of the concerns, needs and interests of the other side.

Moreover, taking into consideration the Chinese Central Government's real concerns, needs and interests, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given much thought with due consideration to the reality of the

situation. This reflects His Holiness the Dalai Lama's flexibility, openness and pragmatism and, above all, sincerity and determination to seek a mutually beneficial solution.

The Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People was prepared in response to the suggestion from the Chinese Central Government made at the seventh round of talks in July 2008.

However, the Chinese Central Government's reactions and main criticisms of the Memorandum appear to be based not on the merits of that proposal which was officially presented to it, but on earlier proposals that were made public as well as other statements made at different times and contexts.

The Memorandum and the present Note strongly reemphasise that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not seeking independence or separation but a solution within the framework of the Constitution and its principles on autonomy as reiterated many times in the past.

The Special General Meeting of the Tibetans in Diaspora held in November 2008 in Dharamsala reconfirmed for the time being the mandate for the continuation of the dialogue process with the PRC on the basis of the Middle-Way approach. On their part, members of the international community urged both sides to return to the talks.

A number of them expressed the opinion that the Memorandum can form a good basis for discussion.

1. Respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the PRC His Holiness the Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated that he is not seeking separation of Tibet from the People's Republic of China, and that

27 February , 2010 Dharamsala

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he is not seeking independence for Tibet. He seeks a sustainable solution within the PRC. This position is stated unambiguously in the Memorandum.

people and to be properly implemented.

The Memorandum calls for the exercise of genuine autonomy, not for independence, ‘semiindependence' or ‘independence in disguised form'. The substance of the Memorandum, which explains what is meant by genuine autonomy, makes this unambiguously clear. The form and degree of autonomy proposed in the Memorandum is consistent with the principles on autonomy in the Constitution of the PRC. Autonomous regions in different parts of the world exercise the kind of self-governance that is proposed in the Memorandum, without thereby challenging or threatening the sovereignty and unity of the state of which they are a part.

This is true of autonomous regions within unitary states as well as those with federal characteristics.

Observers of the situation, including unbiased political leaders and scholars in the international community, have also acknowledged that the Memorandum is a call for autonomy within the PRC and not for independence or separation from the PRC.

The Memorandum explicitly states that the genuine autonomy sought by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the Tibetan people is to be accommodated within the framework of the Constitution and its principles on autonomy, not outside of it.

The Chinese government's viewpoint on the history of Tibet is different from that held by Tibetans and His Holiness the Dalai Lama is fully aware that Tibetans cannot agree to it. History is a past event and it cannot be altered. However, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's position is forwardlooking, not backward grasping. He does not wish to make this difference on history to be an obstacle in seeking a mutually beneficial common future within the PRC. The Chinese Central Government's responses to the Memorandum reveal a persistent suspicion on its part that His Holiness' proposals are tactical initiatives to advance the hidden agenda of independence. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is aware of the PRC's concerns and sensitivities with regard to the legitimacy of the present situation in Tibet. For this reason His Holiness the Dalai Lama has conveyed through his Envoys and publicly stated that he stands ready to lend his moral authority to endow an autonomy agreement, once reached, with the legitimacy it will need to gain the support of the

2. Respecting the Constitution of the PRC

The fundamental principle underlying the concept of national regional autonomy is to preserve and protect a minority nationality's identity, language, custom, tradition and culture in a multi-national state based on equality and cooperation. The Constitution provides for the establishment of organs of selfgovernment where the national minorities live in concentrated communities in order for them to exercise the power of autonomy. In conformity with this principle, the White Paper on Regional Ethnic Autonomy in Tibet (May 2004), states that minority nationalities are "arbiters of their own destiny and masters of their own affairs".

Within the parameters of its underlying principles, a Constitution needs to be responsive to the needs of the times and adapt to new or changed circumstances. The leaders of the PRC have demonstrated the flexibility of the Constitution of the PRC in their interpretation and implementation of it, and have also enacted modifications and amendments in response to changing circumstances. If applied to the Tibetan situation, such flexibility would, as is stated in the Memorandum, indeed permit the accommodation of the Tibetan needs within the framework of the Constitution and its principles on autonomy.

3. Respecting the ‘three adherences' The position of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as presented in the Memorandum, in no way challenges or brings into question the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party in the PRC. At the same time, it is reasonable to expect that, in order to promote unity, stability and a harmonious society, the Party would change its attitude of treating Tibetan culture, religion and identity as a threat. .....See page 6

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The Tibet Post

27 February , 2010 Dharamsala

Note on the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy............. ......continued from page 5 The Memorandum also does not challenge the socialist system of the PRC. Nothing in it sug gests a demand for a change to this system or for its exclusion from Tibetan areas. As for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's views on socialism, it is well known that he has always favoured a socialist economy and ideology that promotes equality and benefits to uplift the poorer sections of society.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's call for genuine autonomy within the PRC recognises the principles on autonomy for minority nationalities contained in the Constitution of the PRC and is in line with the declared intent of those principles. As pointed out in the Memorandum, the current implementation of the provisions on autonomy, however, effectively results in the denial of genuine autonomy to the Tibetan and fails to provide for the exercise of the right of Tibetans to govern themselves and to be "masters of their own affairs." Today, important decisions pertaining to the welfare of Tibetans are not being made by Tibetans. Implementing the proposed genuine autonomy explained in the Memorandum would ensure for the Tibetans the ability to exercise the right to true autonomy and therefore to become masters of their own affairs, in line with the Constitutional principles on autonomy.

Thus, the Memorandum for genuine autonomy does not oppose the ‘three adherences'.

4. Respecting the hierarchy and authority of the Chinese Central Government The proposals contained in the Memorandum in no way imply a denial of the authority of the National People's Congress (NPC) and other organs of the Chinese Central Government. As stated in the Memorandum, the proposal fully respects the hierarchical differences between the Central Government and its organs, including the NPC, and the autonomous government of Tibet.

Any form of genuine autonomy entails a division and allocation of powers and responsibilities, including that of making laws and regulations, between the central and the autonomous local government. Of course, the power to adopt laws and regulations is limited to the areas of competency of the autonomous region. This is true in unitary states as well as in federal systems.

This principle is also recognised in the Constitution. The spirit of the Constitutional provisions on autonomy is to give autonomous regions broader decision-making authority over and above that

enjoyed by ordinary provinces. But today, the requirement for prior approval by the Standing Committee of the NPC for all laws and regulations of the autonomous regions (Art. 116 of the Constitution) is exercised in a way that in fact leaves the autonomous regions with much less authority to make decisions that suit local conditions than that of the ordinary (not autonomous) provinces of China.

Whenever there is a division and allocation of decision-making power between different levels of government (between the Central Government and the autonomous government), it is important to have processes in place for consultation and cooperation. This helps to improve mutual understanding and to ensure that contradictions and possible inconsistencies in policies, laws and regulations are minimised.

It also reduces the chances of disputes arising regarding the exercise of the powers allocated to these different organs of government.

Such processes and mechanisms do not put the Central and autonomous governments on equal footing, nor do they imply the rejection of the leadership of the Central Government.

The important feature of entrenchment of autonomy arrangements in the Constitution or in other appropriate ways also does not imply equality of status between the central and local government nor does it restrict or weaken the authority of the former. The measure is intended to provide (legal) security to both the autonomous and the central authorities that neither can unilaterally change the basic features of the autonomy they have set up, and that a process of consultation must take place at least for fundamental changes to be enacted.

5. Concerns raised by the Chinese Central Government on specific competencies referred to in the Memorandum a) Public security Concern was raised over the inclusion of public security aspects in the package of competencies allocated to the autonomous region in the Memorandum because the government apparently interpreted this to mean defence matters.

National defence and public security are two different matters. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is clear on the point that the responsibility for national defence of the PRC is and should remain with the Central Government. This is not a competency to be exercised by the autonomous region. This is indeed the case in most autonomy arrangements. The Memorandum in fact refers specifically to "internal

public order and security," and makes the important point that the majority of the security personnel should be Tibetans, because they understand the local customs and traditions. It also helps to curb local incidents leading to disharmony among the nationalities. The Memorandum in this respect is consistent with the principle enunciated in Article 120 of the Constitution (reflected also in Article 24 of the LRNA), which states: "The organs of self-government of the national autonomous areas may, in accordance with the military system of the state and practical local needs and with approval of the State Council, organise local public security forces for the maintenance of public order."

It should also be emphasised in this context that the Memorandum at no point proposes the withdrawal of People's Liberation Army (PLA) from Tibetan areas. b) Language The protection, use, and development of the Tibetan language are one of the crucial issues for the exercise of genuine autonomy by Tibetans. The emphasis on the need to respect Tibetan as the main or principal language in the Tibetan areas is not controversial, since a similar position is expressed in the Chinese Central Government's White Paper on Regional Ethnic Autonomy in Tibet, where it is stated that regulations adopted by the Tibet regional government prescribe that "equal attention be given to Tibetan and Han-Chinese languages in the Tibetan Autonomous region, with the Tibetan language as the major one..." (emphasis added). Moreover, the very usage of "main language" in the Memorandum clearly implies the use of other languages, too.

The absence of a demand in the Memorandum that Chinese should also be used and taught should not be interpreted as an "exclusion" of this language, which is the principal and common language in the PRC as a whole. It should also be noted in this context that the leadership in exile has taken steps to encourage Tibetans in exile to learn Chinese.

Tibetan proposal which emphasises the study of the Tibetan people's own language should therefore not be interpreted as being a "separatist view". c) Regulation of population migration The Memorandum proposes that the local government of the autonomous region should have the competency to regulate the residence, settlement and employment or economic activities of persons who wish to

move to Tibetan areas from elsewhere. This is a common feature of autonomy and is certainly not without precedent in the PRC. A number of countries have instituted systems or adopted laws to protect vulnerable regions or indigenous and minority peoples from excessive immigration from other parts of the country. The Memorandum explicitly states that it is not suggesting the expulsion of non-Tibetans who have lived in Tibetan areas for years. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Kashag also made this clear in earlier statements, as did the Envoys in their discussions with their Chinese counterparts. In an address to the European Parliament on December 4, 2008, His Holiness the Dalai Lama reiterated that "our intention is not to expel non-Tibetans. Our concern is the induced mass movement of primarily Han, but also some other nationalities, into many Tibetan areas, which in turn marginalises the native Tibetan population and threatens Tibet's fragile environment." From this it is clear that His Holiness is not at all suggesting that Tibet be inhabited by only Tibetans, with other nationalities not being able to do so. The issue concerns the appropriate division of powers regarding the regulation of transient, seasonal workers and new settlers so as to protect the vulnerable population indigenous to Tibetan areas.

In responding to the Memorandum the Chinese Central Government rejected the proposition that the autonomous authorities would regulate the entrance and economic activities of persons from other parts of the PRC in part because "in the Constitution and the Law on Regional National Autonomy there are no provisions to restrict transient population." In fact, the Law on Regional National Autonomy, in its Article 43, explicitly mandates such a regulation: "In accordance with legal stipulations, the organs of self-government of national autonomous areas shall work out measures for control of the transient population."

Thus, the Tibetan proposal contained in the Memorandum in this regard is not incompatible with the Constitution. d) Religion The point made in the Memorandum, that Tibetans be free to practice their religion according to their own beliefs, is entirely consistent with the principles of religious freedom contained in the Constitution of the PRC. It is also consistent with the principle of separation of religion and polity adopted in many countries of the

world.

Article 36 of the Constitution guarantees that no one can "compel citizens to believe in, or not to believe in any religion." We endorse this principle but observe that today the government authorities do interfere in important ways in the ability of Tibetans to practice their religion.

The spiritual relationship between master and student and the giving of religious teachings, etc. are essential components of the Dharma practice. Restricting these is a violation of religious freedom.

Similarly, the interference and direct involvement by the state and its institutions in matters of recognition of reincarnated lamas, as provided in the regulation on the management of reincarnated lamas adopted by the State on July 18, 2007 is a grave violation of the freedom of religious belief enshrined in the Constitution.

The practice of religion is widespread and fundamental to the Tibetan people. Rather than seeing Buddhist practice as a threat, concerned authorities should respect it. Traditionally or historically Buddhism has always been a major unifying and positive factor between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. e) Single administration The desire of Tibetans to be governed within one autonomous region is fully in keeping with the principles on autonomy of the Constitution. The rationale for the need to respect the integrity of the Tibetan nationality is clearly stated in the Memorandum and does not mean "Greater or Smaller Tibet". In fact, as pointed out in the Memorandum, the Law on Regional National Autonomy itself allows for this kind of modification of administrative boundaries if proper procedures are followed. Thus the proposal in no way violates the Constitution.

As the Envoys pointed out in earlier rounds of talks, many Chinese leaders, including Premier Zhou Enlai, Vice Premier Chen Yi and Party Secretary Hu Yaobang, supported the consideration of bringing all Tibetan areas under a single administration. Some of the most senior Tibetan leaders in the PRC, including the 10th Panchen Lama, Ngapo Ngawang Jigme and Bapa Phuntsok Wangyal have also called for this and affirming that doing so would be in accordance with the PRC's Constitution and its laws. In 1956 a special committee, which included senior Communist Party member Sangye Yeshi (Tian Bao), was appointed by the Chinese Central Government to make a detailed plan for the integration of the Tibetan areas into a single

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27 February , 2010 Dharamsala

......continued from page 6 autonomous region, but the work was later stopped on account of ultra-leftist elements.

The fundamental reason for the need to integrate the Tibetan areas under one administrative region is to address the deeply-felt desire of Tibetans to exercise their autonomy as a people and to protect and develop their culture and spiritual values in this context. This is also the fundamental premise and purpose of the Constitutional principles on regional national autonomy as reflected in Article 4 of the Constitution. Tibetans are concerned about the integrity of the Tibetan nationality, which the proposal respects and which the continuation of the present system does not. Their common historical heritage, spiritual and cultural identity, language and even their particular affinity to the unique Tibetan plateau environment is what binds Tibetans as one nationality. Within the PRC, Tibetans are recognized as one nationality and not several nationalities. Those Tibetans presently living in Tibet autonomous prefectures and counties incorporated into other provinces also belong to the same Tibetan nationality. Tibetans, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, are primarily concerned about the protection and development of Tibetan culture, spiritual values, national identity and the environment.

Tibetans are not asking for the expansion of Tibetan autonomous areas. They are only demanding that those areas already recognised as Tibetan autonomous areas come under a single administration, as is the case in the other autonomous regions of the PRC. So long as Tibetans do not have the opportunity to govern themselves under a single administration, preservation of Tibetan culture and way of life cannot be done effectively. Today more than half of the Tibetan population is subjected to the priorities and interests first and foremost of different provincial governments in which they have no significant role.

As explained in the Memorandum, the Tibetan people can only genuinely exercise regional national autonomy if they can have their own autonomous government, people's congress and other organs of selfgovernment with jurisdiction over the Tibetan nationality as a whole.

This principle is reflected in the Constitution, which recognises the right of minority nationalities to practice regional autonomy "in areas where they live in concentrated communities" and to "set up organs of self-government for the exercise of the power of autonomy," (Article 4). If the "state's full respect for and guarantee of the right of the minority nationalities to

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administer their internal affairs" solemnly declared in the preamble of the Law on Regional National Autonomy is interpreted not to include the right to choose to form an autonomous region that encompasses the whole people in the contiguous areas where its members live in concentrated communities, the Constitutional principles on autonomy are themselves undermined.

Keeping Tibetans divided and subject to different laws and regulations denies the people the exercise of genuine autonomy and makes it difficult for them to maintain their distinct cultural identity. It is not impossible for the Central Government to make the necessary administrative adjustment when elsewhere in the PRC, notably in the case of Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Guangxi Autonomous Regions, it has done just that. f) Political, social and economic system His Holiness the Dalai Lama has repeatedly and consistently stated that no one, least of all he, has any intention to restore the old political, social and economic system that existed in Tibet prior to 1959. It would be the intention of a future autonomous Tibet to further improve the social, economic and political situation of Tibetans, not to return to the past. It is disturbing and puzzling that the Chinese government persists, despite all evidence to the contrary, to accuse His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his Administration of the intention to restore the old system.

issue that needs to be resolved is the faithful implementation of genuine autonomy that will enable the Tibetan people to govern themselves in accordance with their own genius and needs.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks on behalf of the Tibetan people, with whom he has a deep and historical relationship and one based on full trust. In fact, on no issue are Tibetans as completely in agreement as on their demand for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. It cannot be disputed that His Holiness the Dalai Lama legitimately represents the Tibetan people, and he is certainly viewed as their true representative and spokesperson by them. It is indeed only by means of dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama that the Tibetan issue can be resolved. The recognition of this reality is important.

This emphasises the point, often made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, that his engagement for the cause of Tibet is not for the purpose of claiming certain personal rights or political position for him, nor attempting to stake claims for the Tibetan administration in exile. Once an agreement is reached, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile will be dissolved and the Tibetans working in Tibet should carry on the main responsibility of administering Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama made it clear on numerous occasions that he will not hold any political position in Tibet.

7. His Holiness the Dalai Lama's cooperation

All countries and societies in the world, including China, have had political systems in the past that would be entirely unacceptable today. The old Tibetan system is no exception. The world has evolved socially and politically and has made enormous strides in terms of the recognition of human rights and standards of living. Tibetans in exile have developed their own modern democratic system as well as education and health systems and institutions. In this way, Tibetans have become citizens of the world at par with those of other countries.

It is obvious that Tibetans in the PRC have also advanced under Chinese rule and improved their social, education, health and economic situation. However, the standard of living of the Tibetan people remains the most backward in the PRC and Tibetan human rights are not being respected.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has offered, and remains prepared, to formally issue a statement that would serve to allay the Chinese Central Government's doubts and concerns as to his position and intentions on matters that have been identified above.

6. Recognising the core issue

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is taking this initiative in the belief that it is possible to find common ground with the People's Republic of China consistent with the principles on autonomy contained in PRC's Constitution and with the interests of the Tibetan people. In that spirit, it is the expectation and

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other members of the exiled leadership have no personal demands to make. His Holiness the Dalai Lama's concern is with the rights and welfare of the Tibetan people. Therefore, the fundamental

The formulation of the statement should be done after ample consultations between representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese Central Government, respectively, to ensure that such a statement would satisfy the fundamental needs of the Chinese Central Government as well as those of the Tibetan people.

It is important that both parties address any concern directly with their counterparts, and not use those issues as ways to block the dialogue process as has occurred in the past.

The Tibet Post

Dalai Lama Awarded in US Despite China Anger ......continued from frontpage the exiled monk at the White House in defiance of Chinese warnings, the National Endowment for Democracy gave the Dalai Lama a medallion before a standing-room-only crowd at the Library of Congress.

The Endowment, which is funded by the US Congress, hailed the Dalai Lama for supporting a democratic government in exile and his willingness to even abolish his centuries-old spiritual position if Tibetans so choose.

"By demonstrating moral courage and self-assurance in the face of brute force and abusive insults, he has given hope against hope not just to his own people but also to oppressed people everywhere," Endowment president Carl Gershman said before placing the Democracy Service Medal over the monk's neck.

The Dalai Lama, who fled his Chinese-ruled homeland for India in 1959, voiced admiration for US and Indian democracy and said China's authoritarian system was unsustainable.

"The Chinese Communist Party, I think, did many wrong things. But at the same time, they also made a lot of contribution for a stronger China," he said.

The Dalai Lama pointed to the growing interest of many Chinese in getting rich. Calling himself a Marxist in his support for a strong social safety net, the Dalai Lama joked: "Sometimes I feel my brain is more red than those Chinese leaders."

"Sometimes I express now the time has come for the Communist Party should retire with grace," he said in English, laughing that Chinese leaders would be "furious" at his comments.

China earlier protested Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama, saying the United States had "grossly violated basic norms of international relations" and summoning the US ambassador, Jon Huntsman.

"The US action seriously interfered in Chinese internal

hope of His Holiness the Dalai Lama that the representatives of the PRC will use the opportunity presented by the Memorandum and this Note to deepen discussion and make substantive progress in order to develop mutual understanding.

affairs, seriously hurt the feelings of China's people and seriously har med China-US relations," foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said the Dalai Lama's meetings with Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were part of a longstanding US dialogue with the Tibetan leader.

"I think on this issue, obviously we just agree to disagree," Crowley told reporters.

Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to split China, although the exiled leader has repeatedly said he accepts Chinese rule.

In a nod to Chinese sensitivities, the Obama White House prohibited cameras from entering the meeting, which took place in the Map Room, not the seat of presidential power in the Oval Office.

But the White House later issued a statement voicing support for the Dalai Lama and his nonviolent quest for greater rights for Tibetans.

With Obama, the Dalai Lama has now met every sitting US president since George H.W. Bush in 1991.

Offering one tidbit from Thursday's meeting, the Dalai Lama revealed that Obama gave him a memento from a much earlier interaction with a US president -- a copy of a letter Franklin Roosevelt sent him in 1942.

Roosevelt mailed the Dalai Lama, who was then seven, the letter and a golden Rolex watch as a gesture to seek relations with the remote Himalayan land.

"At that time, my only interest is the gift of the watch, not the letter," the Dalai Lama said with a laugh.

"I actually don't know where that letter goes. Now after 68 years, just yesterday, President Obama gave me a copy of that letter."

The monk frequently tells the story of the watch, saying that fiddling with it helped spur his lifelong interest in science.

In 2007, he carried the gold watch in his pocket when George W. Bush presented him with the Congressional Gold Medal, the only time a sitting US president has appeared with him in public.

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TPI WORLD

27 February , 2010 Dharamsala

His Holiness has gained 95,000 Followers Within Two Days of Joining Twitter

His Holiness in Los Angeles: Compassion, Obama and Tiger Woods Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a large-scale public talk in the US city of Los Angeles on Sunday.

A crowd of thousands gathered at the Gibson Amphitheatre to listen to him speak and answer questions.

Tibet's spiritual and political leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had 95,798 followers on micro-blogging site Twitter Wednesday within two days of joining the social networking site.

Twitter founder Evan Williams had tweeted on Monday that he met His Holiness in Los Angeles and pitched using the service.

"He laughed," Williams wrote. His Holiness the Dalai Lama's account was up and running, a post from his base in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, India said Tuesday.

The 74 years old Tibetan leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has 11 Tweets on his page so far, giving links to interviews and photos. There are no personal messages. The monk has been living in exile in India since fleeing Tibet after the Chinese occupation in 1959.

His government-in-exile is not recognized by any country. The Tibetan leader is currently on a 10-day visit to

the US that included a meeting with President Barack Obama and a series of public lectures in California and Florida.

The communist regime of China objected to the US president Barack Obama meeting, saying it amounted to interference in its internal affairs. But His Holiness occasionally declared that he is not seeking independent for Tibet.

China claims His Holiness the Dalai Lama a separatist, while he has said he is seeking greater autonomy for Tibetan people of whole Tibet within China. Several rounds of talks between his representatives and Chinese officials have yielded little progress.

His Holiness Brands China's Tibet Policy "Childish" was not frustrated that there has been so little progress on Tibetans' demands for greater autonomy.

He said Tibetans will never give up on their cause, even if progress comes after his own lifetime.

Dharamshala: Following his meeting with US President Barack Obama on Thursday, and China's hostile reaction to it, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has chided China for its "childish" and "limited" approach to Tibetan efforts for greater rights within China.

At his hotel in Washington, His Holiness told reporters he had expected a negative, scolding Chinese reaction to the meeting but that he

His Holiness was greeted at his hotel by a large crowd of supporters, who wept, prostrated themselves and chanted, "Thank you, Obama!" and, "Long live the Dalai Lama!"

Meanwhile in Beijing, the official Chinese news agency reported that Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Cui Tiankui had "lodged solemn representations" with US Ambassador Jon Huntsman, over President Obama's decision to meet with His Holiness.

he is such popular person is because he keeps promoting non-violence and compassion," said Jeff Gilkman.

"I think that people are able to rise above politics and take that message and promote those ideas as well."

"I'm ready to go tackle anything now

he recognizes that the president must juggle ties to himself with concerns about angering China.

He added that he understands Obama must be practical in exercising his commitment to human rights worldwide.

The session lasted nearly two-and-ahalf hours and His Holiness focused on finding inner peace.

"No disappointment.

The last six decades my heart hardened. I do not consider important political gestures. I don't care. The important is meet face-to-face," His Holiness said.

The talk was organized by Los Angelesbased Whole C h i l d International to raise awareness of the plight of orphaned children.

He also briefly addressed the Tiger Woods scandal and the golf star's public comments on Friday about his adultery and straying from his Buddhist faith.

His Holiness' message was universal: that to create a peaceful society, people need to cultivate compassion at a very young age.

KABC-TV reported that people who attended the speech left the amphitheatre in awe.

"Politics aside, one of the reasons that

This comes a year after Twitter was forced to delete a fake account which attracted several thousand followers. he world's most popular micro-blogging site. Twitter has found itself a new and a new kind of follower - His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Tibet Post

because as long as I keep that inner peace things will be OK," said Genevieve Hayman.

Whilst in Los Angeles, His Holiness talked to The Associated Press about his meeting with US President Barack Obama last Thursday.

He said he doesn't fault President Obama for the low-key reception he received at the White House, because

His Holiness said he did not know who Woods was but that, "I think mainly whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important - self-discipline with awareness of consequences."

The remainder of His Holiness' tenday US tour will take him to Florida, where he will speak on global compassion and ethics in education.

US House Speaker Commends Obama’s Meeting With His Holiness Dharamshala: The United States House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, on Thursday released a statement praising President Obama’s meeting with exiled Tibetan leader Dalai Lama at the White House in defiance of C h i n e s e warnings.

“I commend the President for meeting with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, a champion of peace and nonviolence, and a voice for dignity, justice, and respect for all humanity,” the statement read, “His Holiness is a source of wisdom and compassion, a powerful spokesman for the moral duty and inherent worth of every person, and a force for human rights across the globe.”

“President Obama’s meeting with the Dalai Lama marks another chapter

in the long friendship and close ties between the United States and the people of Tibet. As Americans, we must continue to stand with His Holiness to promote, preserve, and protect the rights of all people to

live in freedom worldwide,” Pelosi, a longstanding supporter of the Tibetan cause, said in the statement.

After finishing hour-long meeting with Obama, His Holiness told reporters he was “very happy” with the session and President was “very much supportive” of the his "Three

Commitments": the promotion of human value, religious harmony, and the concerns of the Tibetan people in addition to his vision of “a greater leadership role for women around the world” and his full committment to resolve the problem of Tibet through the “middle way approach”.

Further commenting on his position as Tibetan leader, His Holiness said, “I have moral responsibility to speak on behalf of six million Tibetan people.

And also Tibetan issue is just cause, and cause for peace”, which China staterun media Xinhuanet condemned “ He must have forgotten that the fate of Tibet never relies on him and a few foreigners but has always been decided by all the Chinese people, including all ethnic minorities in the region”.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also met with his Holiness the Dalai Lama in her outer office on the same day.