Published by: World Tibet Network News Wednesday, September 17, 1997

Text of report by the Taiwanese newspaper `Chung Kuo Shih Pao'

Mrs Kesang [Y.] Takla [currently representative at the Dalai Lama's office in London], who is to take the post of first representative of the Tibetan government-in-exile to Taiwan soon, said: The establishment in Taiwan of the "Dalai Lama Tibetan Religious Incorporated Foundation" will help promote exchange and understanding between the peoples of Tibet and Taiwan. She herself will regard this new task as a great challenge and share with the people of Taiwan the experience of the people of Tibet in adhering to promoting human rights and peace with non-violence. The summary of an interview with her follows.

Question: It has been decided that the "Dalai Lama Tibetan Religious Incorporated Foundation" will be established in Taiwan, and you will assume the post of first representative of the Tibetan government-in-exile to Taiwan. How will you promote bilateral relations?

Answer: As a matter of fact, I have been appointed representative to Taiwan but, as far as the details of my work are concerned, I still wait for instructions from the Tibetan government in India. As I see it, the stress of my future work must be mainly on cultural and religious exchanges. This is a challenging task.

I hope that, by taking this opportunity, I can promote understanding between the peoples of Tibet and Taiwan and share with the Taiwanese our experience and conceptions.

Question: What is your experience? In the past you have always promoted Tibet

independence and moreover, you have won broad support.

Answer: Yes. However, of all our experiences, one is very important, that is, we uphold "non-violence" and "anti-violence" and believe in "the truth". Therefore, we have bright hopes for the future of Tibet. We are advocating establishing ethical responsibility worldwide and promoting mutual concern and understanding among men and concern for human rights so that more and more people will understand and support Tibet. What we are concentrating are the entire world's ethical forces. We promote our goal on the basis of the truth.

Question: You have won broad support in Europe and Britain. How should the people of Taiwan support Tibet? How should the two sides cooperate in the days to come?

Answer: Among the supporters in Europe and Britain, many are volunteers. I have been in London for eight years or so. We adhere to our principles and goal. It is the ethical forces that get our supporters and us together. I know that there are many followers of Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhists in Taiwan. The Dalai Lama shows great concerned for them. At present I am not clear about how to carry out substantive cooperation with the Taiwan side after my arrival there. I am waiting for the instructions of the Tibetan government in India. I myself will listen more to the opinions of the outside circles and friends. I think, when I arrive in Taipei, things will become clearer.

Question: The situation of Taiwan is completely different from that of the other regions or countries to which you acted as Tibetan representative. You do understand this fact, don't you?

Answer: Certainly. It is quite different. I think in the days ahead, just as I have repeatedly stressed, we will establish closer ties and promote understanding between the peoples of the two sides through religious and cultural work. We absolutely respect the Taipei government and are aware that "political" issues are very sensitive ones at present between the two sides. As I see it, both sides will cooperate on the basis of fully understanding each other's stand and of mutual respect.

Question: The Taipei side is very cautious and unwilling to excessively provoke the Chinese communists. How will the Tibetan government-in-exile promote cross-strait relations?

Answer: We will fully respect the Taipei government's stand. As far as the relations between the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Chinese communists are concerned, the Dalai Lama has directly expressed his good intentions to the Chinese communist leaders and has advanced several open and rational plans to the Chinese mainland in the hope that the Tibet issue can be settled on the basis of peace and mutual respect. As an individual, I am optimistic about the future of Tibet and also hope to share with the people of Taiwan Tibet's experiences in culture, religion, and other fields.

Source: `Chung Kuo Shih Pao', Taipei, in Chinese 9 Sep 97 p4