17 October 2005
No significant change in China's policies: Dalai Lama
(VOT) The Dalai Lama has said that there has not been any significant and visible change in China's policy towards Tibet despite positive developments in the ties between the Dharamsala-based Government in Exile and the People's Republic of China, according to reports from the Voice of Tibet radio service. "China still practices harsh measures and policies towards Tibetan people. I have met many educated people from Tibet who voiced their grievances to me and they all say the same thing", said the Dalai Lama. He also clarified the apparent misunderstandings concerning the Middle Way Approach and complete independence. He reiterated that the fight for independence is as equally justified as the exile government's efforts for a negotiated settlement of the Tibet issue, saying that the Tibetan Youth Congress' struggle for complete independence is a rightful demand and that the notion that the TYC's fight is “anti-Dalai Lama” is wrong. "TYC strives for complete independence and that is for Tibet. We seek to resolve the issue of Tibet through the Middle Way Approach because the Tibet issue is at a critical period and that too is for Tibet. We live in a democratic country and every individual or organisation has the right to express his or its ideas and opinions".