By Phurbu Thinley
Phayul Correspondent

Meeting of uncommon minds on a common platform, the second programme of the Public Discussion Forum saw a prolonged and heated discussion

Dharamsala: 27 January: The second discussion programme of the Public Discussion Forum, jointly undertaken by the National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT) and Phayul.com was successfully carried out here today.

The forum held discussion on the timely and current issue concerning Tibet: Sino-Tibetan Dialogue Process, which many Tibetans hope will bring about a meaningful solution to the over five decades of Tibetan freedom struggle.

An active and heated discussion followed with participants shooting questions marked the second round of public discussion of the recently started Forum. Mr. Thanglura Darlong, Liaison Officer for the Ministry of External Affairs in Dharamshala, was also present during the discussion.

After five rounds of direct talks between the Tibetan envoys and Chinese representatives, the much expected sixth round of talk did not turn up so far, although the leaders of Tibetan Government-in-Exile (TGIE) repeatedly stated that every attempt to create a conducive atmosphere for the dialogue process is being made from its side.

The latest fifth round of talk was held in February 2006, in Guangdong Province.

After being elected the Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) of TGIE for the second consecutive term, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche said, “To continue engaging with China and take the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue Process to its next level will be given prime importance during the 13th Kashag.”

Sheja editor, Ven. Lobsang Jinpa and research scholar, Mr. Lukar Jam talked from two different angles revealing both the pros and cons of the dialogue process between the two sides. While Ven Lobsang delved in detail of the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue Process and its present situation; Mr. Lukar Jam personally expressed lack of far sighted vision and legality in the dialogue process.

Calling it “a mildly vague approach being taken by the Tibetan side” Mr. Lukar personally expressed complete lack of hope in the ongoing dialogue process and said “At the end, it will lead us to no where towards a right direction unless we mould the method of engaging with China on time”.

“There are lots of flaws in the way the dialogue process is being carried on and the situation calls for a completely new, well analysed and a more vigorous approach which reflects the aspirations of common Tibetan masses,” Mr. Lukar said.

Ven. Lobsang on the other hand, expressing strong possibility of the sixth round of talk to resume at any time soon, said, “The 13th Kashag continues to make every effort to take the dialogue on to its next level”. Ven. Lobsang also mentioned that there is every reason to believe that the re-established direct contact should bring about a constructive result in the next couple of years. “However, much depends on the willingness on the part of the Chinese leaders,” he quickly adds.

Describing the issue of Tibet as a cause of Tibetan people, Mr. Lukar said, “Aspirations of common Tibetan masses should dictate the terms of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue rather than a handful of higher bureaucratic diplomats negotiating their terms.” “We should not repeat the blunder of signing another 17-Point Agreement signed under duress wherein not a single clause reflects the interest of common Tibetan masses.” Mr Lukar further adds.

Tibetan leaders in exile have lately hinted of loosing hope with the way Chinese leaders are co-operating with the dialogue process and, even expressed unwillingness to appeal fellow Tibetans to restraint from anti-China campaigns, as they did earlier.

“The Sino-Tibetan dialogue process is already failing with the kind of hostility China has been showing, more visibly, since last year,” noted Mr. Lukar. “There is no point in adamantly clinging on to a mercy of Chinese leaders,” stated Mr. Lukar.

“After five rounds of familiarising talks, our relationship is only beginning to breed contempt from Chinese side”, said Mr. Lukar.

On the other hand, Ven Lobsang said, “The day when the Government-in-Exile sees there is no way to proceed beyond a flawed approach, the current approach must then be revised.” “Accordingly, it will be publicly stated by the concerned Kashag by then,” he adds. “Right now there are more things left to be done than already being done to test the legality and the prospect of the dialogue process” asserts Ven. Lobsang.

“If the dialogue process continues to remain sluggish and turns into complete stagnation with no sign of progress beyond a stage, an alternative yet, effective way out should be worked out,” said Ven. Lobsang.

Brief Highlight of Sino-Tibetan Dialogue Process
The Tibetan delegation consists of five-member envoys. The team is led by Mr. Gyari Lodoe Gyaltsen (Special Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to American). Kelsang Gyaltsen (Special Representative of His Holiness to Europe); Dragpo Sonam Norbu (Secretary for International Relation, Department of Information and International Relation, TGIE); Buchung K. Tsering (Director, International Campaign for Tibet) and Ngaba Tsegyam (Representative of His Holiness to Taiwan) are the other members.

Although the Tibetan envoys met with the Chinese counterparts on five different occasions since 2002, Mr. Ngaba was allowed to participate only during the fourth round of talk held in 2004 in Switzerland (first time outside China).

• The first meeting of between the two sides took place in September 2002.
  
• The second meeting was held in May 2003 (in Beijing and Gyalthang, Yunan Province.).
  
• The third was held in September 2004 (in Beijing and Khandze, Sichuan Province).
  
• Fourth meeting took place in July 2005, (in Berne, Switzerland).
  
• The fifth talk in February 2006 (at Guanxi, Guangdong Province).

Live audio webcast of the discussion was made available here on phayul.com.