Senate Introduces Resolution in Support of the Dalai Lama’s Efforts and Commitment to Non-Violence

Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Joseph Biden (D-DE) have introduced a resolution welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Washington, D.C., in September and recognizing him for his lifelong commitment to non-violence and human rights.

The Dalai Lama will visit Washington, D.C., from September 9 to 11 to meet with key U.S. government leaders, including President Bush.

This visit is an important opportunity for Tibet supporters to let the U.S. government know that they need to actively encourage substantive dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership.

Click here to urge your U.S. Senators to support the Dalai Lama and his non-violent struggle on behalf of the Tibetan people.

Full text of S.RES.212:

Welcoming His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and recognizing his commitment to non-violence, human rights, freedom, and democracy.

Mrs. FEINSTEIN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

RESOLUTION

Welcoming His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and recognizing his commitment to non-violence, human rights, freedom, and democracy.

Whereas for over 40 years in exile, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama has used his position and leadership to promote compassion and non-violence as a solution to not only the present crisis in Tibet, but to other long-running conflicts around the world;

Whereas the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 in recognition of his efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the situation in Tibet, and to promote nonviolent methods for resolving conflict;

Whereas the Dalai Lama has been a strong voice for the basic human fights of all peoples, particularly freedom of religion;

Whereas the Dalai Lama has personally promoted democratic self-government for Tibetans in exile as a model for securing freedom for all Tibet, including relinquishing his political positions and turning these authorities over to elected Tibetan representatives;

Whereas the Dalai Lama seeks a solution for Tibet that provides genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people and does not call for independence and separation from the People’s Republic of China;

Whereas the envoys of the Dalai Lama have traveled to China and Tibet twice in the past year to begin discussions with Chinese authorities on a permanent negotiated settlement of the Tibet issue;

Whereas the successful advancement of these discussions is in the strong interest of both the Chinese and Tibetan people; and

Whereas it is the policy of the United States to support substantive dialogue between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Dalai Lama or his representatives: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that-

1. the visit of the Dalai Lama to the United States in September 2003 is warmly welcomed;
2. the Dalai Lama should be recognized and congratulated for his consistent efforts to promote dialogue to peacefully resolve the Tibet issue and to increase the religious and cultural autonomy of the Tibetan people; and
3. all parties to the current discussions should be encouraged by the Government of the United States to deepen these contacts in order to achieve the aspirations of the people of Tibet for genuine autonomy and basic human rights.

END

For more information on S.RES.212, please click here.