AUCKLAND: The President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay, in his maiden visit to New Zealand, sought support for the Tibetan administration’s Middle Way Approach to resolve the Tibet issue.
“The situation inside Tibet is tragic. So, I am here to seek the support of the people of New Zealand,” Sikyong said, while speaking to reporters in Auckland.
“Even as we speak, cultural institutes such as Larung Gar are being destroyed. There is no religious freedom, no political freedom, and not even environmental rights,” Sikyong said.
“In such a grim political situation, many feel it is better to commit self-immolation and die than suffer for a long, long time in Chinese prisons,” Sikyong explained, referring to the wave of fiery protests that have swept Tibet since 2009.
Sikyong further called on New Zealanders to rally behind the Tibetan people in their quest for freedom and dignity. Sikyong emphasised the CTA’s firm commitment to the Middle Way Approach, a mutually beneficial solution that seeks genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people under the framework of Chinese constitution.
Sikyong expressed optimism in the strength of this proposal and stated that a resolution to the Tibet issue is imminent within the lifetime of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Dr Sangay is in the Kiwi country for four days. He will be continuing his efforts to shore up support for the Middle Way Approach in the cities of Dunedin and Wellington in the next few days through public engagements and media interactions.