By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, November 22: The Prime Minister (Sikyong) Dr. Lobsang Sangay has appealed the Canadina government to extend support towards human rights and Central Tibetan Administration’s Middle Way Approach in solving the Tibetan issue. The Harvard graduate who got elected for the second term was speaking to Globe and the Mail, a Toronto-based daily newspaper.
The Tibetan PM currently touring Canada said that the nation could be a strong supporter of Tibet’s human rights issue and that Tibetans see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government as a partner in the Tibetan struggle.
“The US government has come out in support of the Middle Way Approach. It would be nice and very appreciated if the Canadian government also supported the approach as well,” said Sikyong Lobsang Sangay.
The reelected Tibetan leader, meeting with the Canadian Parliamentarians the first time since the Liberal Party came into power in 2015, plans to seek support of Canada towards Middle Way Approach to achieve autonomy within China.
“I think Canada can proudly share its experience on how to solve minority issues. Quebec could be a good reference as far as the Canadian government is concerned,” the Harvard graduate said, referring to Canada’s 1995 Quebec referendum as an example while initiating a discussion with China on Tibet.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, at Canada-China Business Council in Shanghai on September 1, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and spoke on the importance of freedom of expression and encouraged China to do more to protect human rights.
“Our government will continue to have frank discussions with China, including on the respect for the rule of law and human rights of all Chinese citizens, including Tibetans,” Press Secretary Chantal Gagnon told the Globe and the Mail.
“We have consistently advocated substantive and meaningful dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives to work toward a resolution that is acceptable to both sides,” said Gagnon.
The Tibetan PM also appreciated the government’s commitment to resettle additional Tibetan refugees. So far 900 Tibetans since 2013 have arrived in Canada under the resettlement program initiated by the previous government.
The Tibetan PM also met with the Tibetan community at Gadhen Choedhenling where he addressed more than a thousand Tibetans living in the city.