Dharamshala: - Special envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen have resigned citing frustration and a lack of positive response from their Chinese counterparts in a series of talks and discussions reaching back to 2002. Their resignations were effective as of June 1.
It is now two years since they have had any formal meeting with Chinese representatives and, since then, they say they have been trying to reach out in a constructive manner. On the face of it, their resignations are a sign of their frustration and lack of hope at getting any meaningful dialogue initiated.
In their formal resignation letter to Kalon Tripa (political leader) Dr Lobsang Sangay they stated, "Given the deteriorating situation inside Tibet since 2008 leading to the increasing cases of self-immolations by Tibetans, we are compelled to submit our resignations. Furthermore, the United Front did not respond positively to the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People presented in 2008 and its Note in 2010. One of the key Chinese interlocutors in the dialogue process even advocated abrogation of minority status as stipulated in the Chinese constitution thereby seeming to remove the basis of autonomy. At this particular time, it is difficult to have substantive dialogue.''
Dr Sangay expressed regret at their resignations and paid tribute to their hard and diligent work over the years. He said they have tried hard to move dialogue forward in often trying circumstances and their leadership has been invaluable. He added, "The Kashag (cabinet) will continue to rely on them for their wise counsel. They will remain as senior members of the Task Force team.
"Further, the Kashag urges Beijing to accept the Middle Way approach, as it endeavors to find a peaceful and harmonious autonomy for Tibetans within the People's Republic of China. The Tibetan authorities are committed to non-violence and the Middle Way approach and believe that dialogue with China is necessary and vital. Moreover, they are ready and willing engage anywhere and at any time."
