Tibetan exiles in Dharamsala pin their 'freedom hopes' on Obama

Dharamshala, Nov 6 : The Tibetan exiles in Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, are hoping that Barack Obama the US President-elect would help them restore human rights in Tibet.

The exiles hope that Obama will extend full support to the people of Tibet in their fight for freedom from the alleged Chinese suppression.

Frustrated with the lack of progress with China despite rounds of talks and the March crackdown on riots against Chinese rule in Tibet, many exiles wish that Obama would make the much-needed difference.

"In his speech he has continuously mentioned about peace and freedom which he believes are the values of the Americans. The situation inside Tibet is grave and I am hopeful and optimistic," said Tenzin Tcheoying, president of Students For Free Tibet.

Tenzin said that Obama stands for the spirit of America and that he was impressed with his speech.

Tibetans also believe that the foreign policy of America with respect to Tibet would prove to be fruitful for them in achieving autonomy.

According to news reports, Obama had expressed his support for Tibet to the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama in July this year. Recalling those reports, Tibetans feel that Obama would stand by them.

"We are happy and hope that he will do positive things, not only for his country but also for world peace and harmony and specially for the Tibetan cause," said Neema, a Tibetan exile.

Obama will be sworn in as the 44th US President on January 20, 2009 and face a number of immediate challenges, from tackling an economic crisis, ending the war in Iraq to overhauling the U.S. health care system.

A first-term Illinois senator, Obama led sweeping Democratic victories expanding the majorities in both chambers of Congress and marked an emphatic rejection of President George W Bush's eight years of leadership.

ANI