WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of the bipartisan Congressional Delegation that met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile last month, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) is an original co-sponsor of House Resolution 1077. H. Res. 1077, which will be up for a vote on the House floor tomorrow, calls on the Chinese government to end its crackdown in Tibet and enter into a substantive dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Rep. Markey said, "The Chinese government crackdown on Tibetans protesting for their rights has led to a worldwide clamor for peace and freedom in support of the Tibetan people. As we in the United States recently commemorated the life and work of civil rights hero Dr. Martin Luther King, we are reminded that, for many, the struggle for basic human rights and dignity continues. I am proud that the House will have this opportunity to make a strong, unified statement in support of the Tibetan people during this difficult time.
"The violence in Tibet is extremely unfortunate, and I profoundly regret the loss of each innocent life. The Chinese government should accept that the Tibetan people hold legitimate grievances, and that resolving these issues peacefully through dialogue is in the interest of both China and the people of Tibet. More than two decades ago, the Dalai Lama abandoned a policy of seeking independence for Tibet, thereby meeting China's most important pre-condition for negotiations. It is time for China to acknowledge this fact and enter into real negotiations with the Dalai Lama."
On March 21st, Rep. Markey joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a bipartisan congressional delegation to meet with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India.
Pictures of the trip can be seen HERE.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2008 |
CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836 |
