March 22, 2008 Dalai Lama says Tibet
Struggle
Will Never Die
New York
Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has said that it was "much
better" for Tibet to join China, but warned the Communist regime
that the struggle in his homeland would never die as the younger
generation had a stronger spirit to fight injustices.
In an interview with Newsweek at the headquarters of the Tibetan
government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama, the mentor
of the 600,000 Tibetans worldwide, spoke of his commitments of peace
with Beijing and his fears for the future.
"I totally disagree with the view that the Tibet struggle will die,
and there will be no hope for Tibet, after the Dalai Lama passes
away," he told the US weekly.
"Both inside and outside (Tibet), the older generation may go away,
but the newer generations carry the same spirit. Sometimes it's even
stronger. So after my death a younger generation will come up," he
said.
Last week massive protests engulfed Lhasa and other parts of Tibet
challenging Beijing's rule in the region. This also sparked
demonstrations by Tibetans in several countries, including India.
Exiled leaders allege the security forces may have killed around 100
people during the anti-China protests.
Expressing his concern over the possibility of greater violence
after he passes away, the Tibetan leader said: "I worry about that.
As long as I am alive, I am fully committed to amity between
Tibetans and Chinese. Otherwise there's no use.
"More importantly, the Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage can
eventually help bring some deeper values to the millions of Chinese
youth who are lost in a (moral) vacuum. After all, China is
traditionally a Buddhist country."
The Dalai Lama said that a new reality has emerged and "it was much
better" for Tibetans to join China.
"My approach is, don't talk about the past. The past is past,
irrespective of whether Tibet was a part of China or not. We are
looking to the future.
"I truly believe that a new reality has emerged. The times are
different. Today different ethnic groups and different nations come
together due to common sense. Look at the European Union ... really
great. What is the use of small, small nations fighting each other?
Today it's much better for Tibetans to join (China). That is my firm
belief," said the Tibetan leader, who fled his homeland in 1959
after an aborted uprising against Chinese rule and lives in India
along with some 100,000 Tibetan exiles.
He said restoring the trust between Chinese and Tibetans was a key
to peace in the region.
"I think real autonomy can restore that trust. As far I am
concerned, I'm totally dedicated to this goal. It is not just
politics. My aim is to create a happy society with genuine
friendship. Friendship between Tibetan and Chinese peoples is very
essential."
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