'Dalai Lama statement can be basis for peace'

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, AUG. 11. The recent statement of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, calling for adoption of a middle path for resolving the Kashmir issue, can become the basis for peace in South Asia, the India-Tibet Friendship Society said here today.

At a joint press conference here, the India-Tibet Friendship Society general secretary, Prof. Anand Kumar, and the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association head, Lama Chosphel Zopta, said that by ``middle path'', the Dalai Lama was referring to the process of dialogue with all sections. In his August 7 statement, issued to clarify comments he had made at a Chennai conference, which was later interpreted as him supporting right to self-rule for Kashmiris, the Dalai Lama said he had merely explained his ``middle way of approaching the Tibetan issue as an example of suitable method for solving such complicated issues like Kashmir''.

Asserting that the Dalai Lama considered India as the most genuine friend and protectors of Tibet, Prof. Kumar and Lama Chosphel said: ``This statement of Dalai Lama has the potential of becoming the basis for exploring peace and progress'' in the region.

The Society also urged the Hurriyat Conference leaders to ``show courage'' by asking the Chinese Prime Minister during his coming visit to India to vacate the part of Kashmir under their occupation since 1960s and also ``force'' the Pakistani President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, to ``stop'' cross-border terrorism in India.

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Section  : National
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