China cannot but address Tibet issue, says Dalai Lama

KUMBH NAGAR, JAN. 26. The Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, today expressed optimism that the aspirations of his people for a separate nation would be fulfilled, though it would take years for the Chinese government to realise the need for addressing the issue.

``Sooner or later, China will have to understand the global sentiments on the Tibetan issue. The day this realisation, that it is an issue to be addressed, takes place, the doors will be opened for negotiations,'' he told newsmen here.

It would require international pressure to force China to start dialogue.

``We must preserve the Tibetan culture, environment, peace and stability in the region till that day,'' the Lama said. Despite strong measures, the Chinese Government could not suppress Buddhism and the strong culture and traditions in Tibet. ``The Tibetan culture is still alive and the desire to see an independent Tibet simmering''.

Even the majority of the Chinese people were in favour of Tibet's independence, he claimed. ``The Chinese people are very open- minded despite living in a totalitarian system''.

The communist government, in China, which had joined the global economic order and allowed capitalists and multi-nationals to operate in the country, could not adopt double standards on political issues by suppressing the Tibetans in the garb of a totalitarian system.

The Lama said he always wanted warm relations to prevail between India and China. Being the two most populated nations, good relationship between them was important for peace. ``But, it should be a genuine friendship based on mutual trust.''

The Tibetans were also bound to be involved in this process at some stage, but it would take some time.

``The problem in Tibet is not due to a civil war, but due to some guest, who came there without invitation,'' he said.

``Too much of disinformation about the ills of democratic system is disseminated to the youth in China. The Chinese youth are confused at the moment. They don't know what is right and what is wrong,'' the Lama said. However, they had access to democratic parties across the world, he added.

- PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : 'Muslims getting attracted to NCP'
Next     : NLFT ultras kill man for not giving ransom