I am receiving a number of media request for my comments on the visit of President Jiang Zemin to India. I, therefore, wish to state the following:-

Sino-Indian relations are an important factor in securing and maintaining peace in the world and particularly in Asia. I also believe that relationship based on genuine trust and confidence between India and China will help in creating a conducive environment in resolving the problem of Tibet. I, therefore, welcome the visit of President Jiang Zemin to India.

Although I have a strong desire to meet President Jiang Zemin while he is in India it is obvious that in view of the new wave of repression and the ongoing campaign to denounce me inside Tibet the prospect of such a meeting is unrealistic. I, therefore, take this opportunity to urge President Jiang Zemin to reverse China's repressive policy in Tibet. Today, the Tibetan people with their unique cultural heritage are facing the threat of extinction. The present Chinese policy is resulting in a kind of cultural genocide in Tibet.

Tibet's rich Buddhist culture embodies values which are relevant and beneficial in our modern world, because its fundamental concept is the interdependent nature of all existence and its core values are compassion and non-violence. This culture infuses people with value which help create peaceful and compassionate relations with each other as well as with their natural environment. It is, therefore, worthwhile to preserve this Buddhist culture.

I also believe that the protection of Tibet's natural environment is of similar significance. Tibet, the roof of the world, is virtually the source of all the major rivers in Asia. The immense devastation of the environment in Tibet is already causing far-reaching consequences in this part of the world.

It is my fundamental believe that dialogue is the only appropriate and human way to resolve problems and overcome difference among human beings. With this conviction I remain willing to negotiate for genuine self-rule in Tibet on terms which are acceptable to China as well as to us Tibetans. I believe that it is more important to look forward to the future than to dwell in the past. I am optimistic that it will be possible to resolve the issue of Tibet peacefully through negotiations in a spirit of reconciliation and compromise.

November 28, 1996

Dharamsala