   
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  His Holiness The Dalai Lama's Message on World Human Rights Day
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  Forwarded by: Tseten Samdup, Office of Tibet, London
                <tibetlondon@gn.apc.org>

  On the 45th anniversary of World Human Rights Day, which was first  
  observed on December 10, 1948, I would like to extend my heartfelt  
  greetings to the Tibetan people, especially those living under  
  Chinese repressive rule in Tibet.

  As you all know, the issue of Tibet does not only concern the present 
  and future well-being of six million Tibetans, but it is also related 
  to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is a much debated 
  issue in the international political fora.

  Irrespective of whether the Tibetan society before the Chinese 
  occupation was developed in the modern sense or not, the fact remains 
  that, in general, the people did enjoy the basic rights and freedom.  
  On the other hand, the unspeakable sufferings that the Tibetans have 
  to endure under Chinese rule is unprecedented in our history.  This is 
  a fact which is also commonly recognized by the international 
  community. I have no doubt that the light of truth, freedom and 
  democracy which is shining unhindered and with growing intensity in 
  different continents will gradually illuminate Tibet as well.

  Our struggle is not an ideological one.  For example, Tibetans do not 
  oppose reforms, communism and changes.  We don't even harbour ill- 
  feeling against the Chinese people as such.  We are only struggling 
  for our rights against the illegal occupation of our country by an 
  alien force.  We are fighting for justice, the right to govern 
  ourselves, and the freedom to determine our own future. So long as the 
  six million Tibetans are not contented, we will continue our struggle.

  At present, many positive and external factors are developing in our 
  favour.  Unable to tolerate this, China may try to destroy our exile 
  administration as well as the strength that comes from our unity.  
  They may try to create misunderstanding and discord in our community.  
  Therefore, everyone must be cautious and be on guard.

  If each and every Tibetan makes an effort and works for the common 
  cause, it will not be long before the sun of happiness shines on 
  Tibet.  When the joyful occasion of the reunion of Tibetans in Tibet 
  and those in exile comes about, Tibet -- with all its three provinces 
  -- will follow a genuine path of freedom, democracy and unity based on 
  the wishes of the people.  As the Guidelines for Future Tibet's Polity 
  and Basic Features of its Constitution stipulates, Tibetan democracy 
  will be based on the Buddhist principles of compassion, justice, and 
  equality.  Tibet will become a zone of peace with environmental 
  protection as one of the guiding principles of its government.

  With my prayers that before long we, Tibetans in Tibet and those in 
  exile, will be able to come to together and enjoy the fruits of 
  happiness.

  The Dalai Lama 10 December 1993

  excerpted from:
  ------------------------ CanTibNet Newsletter -----------------------
    Published by:     The Canada-Tibet Committee
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                      Nima Dorjee (amnesty@acs.ucalgary.ca)
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    Send us your comments, announcements, news or items for discussion.
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Issue ID: 93/12/07 21:30 GMT

  [end]
