Tibetan issue

New Delhi, Mar 10 (UNI) Harping on his commitment to the ''Middle Way'' approach in resolving the Tibetan problem within the framework of the Chinese Constitution, the Dalai Lama today asked the Tibetans to sustain their struggle with courage and determination till their aspirations are fulfilled.

In his message on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Tibetan people's peaceful uprising in Lhasa in 1959, the Dalai Lama said five rounds of comprehensive discussions were held between his representatives and Chinese officials since the resumption of direct contacts between the two sides in 2002.

''In 1979, China's paramount leader Deng Xiaoping proposed that except for independence, all other issues regarding Tibet could be resolved through negotations. As this was in accord with our thinking, we adopted a mutually-beneficial Middle Way policy,'' he said.

For the past 28 years, the Dalai Lama said the Tibetans had followed this policy consistently and sincerely, which was formulated as a result of thorough discussion, based on the broad objectives of meeting the long-term and immediate interests of both Tibetans and Chinese and ensuring peaceful co-existence in Asia.

''This policy has been endorsed and supported by many pragmatic Tibetans in and outside Tibet by many countries,'' said the Nobel-laureate and the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan community.

Strongly defending his proposal for ''genuine national regional autonomy'' for all Tibetans, he said this would help achieve genuine equality and unity between the Tibetans and Chinese by eliminating big Han chauvinism and local nationalism.

Pointing out that the Chinese constitution guarantees regional autonomy to minority nationalities, he regretted that this had not been implemented fully, thereby failing to meet its objective of preserving and protecting their distinct identity, culture and language.

In this connection, the Dalai Lama said President Hu Jintao's continued call for a harmonious society was laudable. ''The basis for the realisation of such a society is to foster trust among the people, which can take place when there is freedom of expression, truth, justice and equality.'' In his message, the Tibetan leader also thanked the people and government of India for their ''unwavering and unparalleled generosity and support to us''.

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