US Senators introduce resolution in Congress on Tibet

Voicing serious concern over the deteriorating situation in Tibet, six top American Senators have introduced a resolution in the US Congress asking China to suspend implementation of religious control regulations and immediately start a dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

Mourning the recent death of Tibetans and deploring the repressive policies, the resolution calls on China to release all persons that have been arbitrarily detained; to cease the intimidation, harassment and detention of peaceful protesters; and to allow unrestricted access to journalists, foreign diplomats and international organisations to Tibet.

The resolution, introduced in the Senate by Senator Diena Feinstein, is supported by several other Senators including Joe Lieberman, Marco Rubio, John McCain, Jim Webb, Barbara Boxer, Dick Durbin, Mark Udall.

The resolution has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for necessary action.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Feinstein accused China of running a misinformation campaign against the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan leadership.

"As my colleagues know, the Dalai Lama has made it clear that he does not support independence for Tibet, but rather meaningful cultural and religious autonomy for the Tibetan people within the People's Republic of China," she said.

"Despite these repeated and unequivocal statements, Beijing continues to insist that His Holiness seeks independence for Tibet. I am stunned that this message has fallen on deaf ears. Let there be no doubt: the clear goal of His Holiness and the Tibetan people is autonomy within China. This autonomy can only come about through meaningful dialogue and negotiation, not actions that would undermine Tibetan culture," Feinstein said.

"I urge the administration to work with our friends and allies in the international community and call on the Chinese Government to begin a substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama on national reconciliation, respect for the Tibetan culture, and meaningful autonomy for Tibet," the Senator said.

Feinstein called on Chinese security forces to exercise maximum restraint and stop targeting Tibetan protesters.

"Violence is not the answer to the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people. We must raise our voice with this resolution to call on Beijing to respect the right of Tibetans to practice their own religion freely and preserve their distinct cultural and linguistic identity," she said.

The resolution commends the Dalai Lama for his decision to devolve his political power in favor of a democratic system; congratulates Tibetans living in exile for holding a competitive, multi-candidate election that was free, fair, and met international electoral standards; and reaffirms the unwavering friendship between the people of the US and the people of Tibet.