DHARAMSHALA: Tibetan spiritual leader in a video message to the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) based in Washington DC stated that they were not seeking independence from China since 1974. He pointed out that China and Tibet can have mutual benefits if reconciled.

In a statement issued here by the Department of International relation and information, it said that a eight minute video of Dalai Lama stated that in the late 1950s and 60s, the Chinese hardliners had almost a belief that, through use of Chinese military forces, Tibetan issue could be eliminated. Now nearly 60 years have passed, Tibet issue is not going away.

He spoke briefly on Tibetan’s Middle Way Policy and the support it has garnered at the level of both government and public.

“Since 1974 we decided not to seek independence. So now Middle Way Approach, many including United States Government—particularly Obama after our meeting—he made a press release officially supporting that. And then, many countries have been supporting that a number of Chinese who know our thinking, you see, happily support us” added Dalai Lama in video message.

“Common interest is more important rather than one’s own national interest. With that kind of concept, I am very much willing to remain within the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese word, “gongheguo” (Republic), shows some kind of union is there” said Dalai Lama.

The Tibetan spiritual leader asked the organization to help Chinese people in the China proper who are suffering and to raise awareness of Tibet issue focusing on both human rights and culture.

“Your organization has been, for 30 years, showing genuine support for Tibetan cause. I always describe that the supporter of Tibetan cause is not pro-Tibetan, but rather pro-justice. So your work also, you see, [provide] some sort of help in China proper, to people who are passing through difficult life” he asked ICT.

Dalai Lama was greeting the organization on its 30th founding anniversary.

He asserted that the ancient Tibetan knowledge of mind and psychology could contribute to the physical and emotional well-being of the entire humanity.

He pointed out that China and Tibet can have mutual benefits if reconciled. “Living within the People’s Republic of China, we can serve, we can help them and we can share our (ancient) knowledge. They, in turn, provide us means of dollars” he added.

