Dalai Lama announces intention to hand over Tibetan political leadership |
Dalai Lama announces intention to hand over Tibetan political leadership
10 March 2011
On the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising His Holiness the Dalai Lama has announced that he intends to hand over his political authority; it is expected that this will be to the Kalon Tripa, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile (1).
This announcement marks a significant step in the process of strengthening the political institutions of the Tibetan government-in-exile that has been happening for over a decade.
Free Tibet Director Stephanie Brigden said:
“Tibetans in Chinese-occupied Tibet do not have a say in the future of their country. This transfer of power to an elected leader in exile puts decision-making about Tibet’s future firmly into the hands of Tibetans, providing a shift of emphasis towards Tibet itself and the people of Tibet. As the Dalai Lama said earlier today, ‘It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run’.
China is making every effort to control the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama because they believe that is where Tibetan political and religious identity is held (2). With this transfer of political leadership the Dalai Lama is divorcing the religious and the political, diminishing the capacity of the Chinese to manipulate the politics of Tibet through its religious identity.”
Until this time, with the Dalai Lama holding both political and religious leadership, world leaders have been able to meet with the Dalai Lama in his religious capacity only, effectively opting out on engaging in political discussions about Tibet.
Today, scores of free Tibet supporters will descend on Parliament as part of a mass lobby for Tibet, calling on the British Prime Minister to meet with the Tibetan Prime Minister, and urging him to encourage the Chinese President to do the same (3).
Ends
Notes to Editor
(1) The elections for the next Kalon Tripa will take place on 20 March 2011. All Tibetans in exile across the world who are aged 18 and over, and who hold green cards are eligible to vote in the elections for the Kalon Tripa. Green cards are available for a nominal annual tax payable to the Tibetan government-in-exile; in the UK this amount is £50.
(2) See Free Tibet press release, 7 March 2011, http://www.freetibet.org/newsmedia/china-attempts-control-dalai-lamas-succession
(3) http://www.freetibet.org/campaigns/uprising-events-march-2011
Free Tibet is an international campaigning organisation that stands for the right of Tibetans to determine their own future. We campaign for an end to the Chinese occupation of Tibet and for the fundamental human rights of Tibetans to be respected.
For interviews and further information please contact Free Tibet’s Director Stephanie Brigden
M: +44 (0)7971 479515