Tibet News:

Exile admn far superior to China's rule in Tibet: Sangay

TNN | Sep 3, 2011, 06.00AM IST

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DHARAMSHALA: "Today our democracy, while nascent, is a successful model of an exile community establishing a strong democratic base and governance system. This is in large part due to the generosity of the Indian government and people. In fact, our experience has attracted the interest of other exile and refugee communities and students of democracy," said Tibetan prime minister-in-exileLobsang Sangay in his statement to mark the Tibetan democracy day at McLeodganj near here.

"The Central Tibetan Administration and some non-government organizations have shared our five decades of experience in implementing democratic principles, processes and mechanisms with others, and we invite everyone to examine and study our experience," he said, adding, "Our democracy is still far from perfect and we must make it even more robust".

"I can say with confidence that our exile democratic administration is far superior to China's colonial rule in Tibet. People in Tibet live under harsh autocracy while those of us in exile enjoy democracy. While I have the mandate of the Tibetan world, the party secretary of Tibet Autonomous Region is handpicked by Beijing, and has never been a Tibetan," Sangay stated.

The prime minister-in-exile said, "We are part of a democratic family in the world, China is not. The Kalon Tripa (prime minister) is the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people, while China's rule in Tibet is undemocratic and illegitimate."
"China cannot be a legitimate superpower without accepting the universality of freedom. I call upon the Chinese regime to respect the freedom of both the Tibetan and Chinese people," he said.

Sangay added, "The devolution of political power is not solely to me, but to all Tibetans. The time has now come for us to demonstrate that we can survive and indeed thrive independently with our new responsibilities. We must actively participate in the democratic process by ensuring that our leaders remain accountable and true to the democratic spirit."

"My election as the Kalon Tripa is a vote of confidence in the newer generation of Tibetans. So, it is expected of the younger generation to work with renewed dedication and conviction. We must live up to the expectations of His Holiness," he said.

The Tibetan prime minister said there was no time for cynicism. "Our focus must be to pursue the sacred cause of supporting the brave inside Tibet, who continue to sacrifice their lives for the preservation of Tibetan identity and dignity. We must all work hard towards ensuring the return of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and emulate the honorable service of our elder generation, who successfully ensured the 13th Dalai Lama's return to Tibet," he added.
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