Dharamsala, May 27 (IANS) Remaining steadfast on resolution of the Tibet-China conflict despite little space for negotiations on occupation of Tibet, Penpa Tsering on Wednesday was sworn in for his second democratically-elected five-year term as the Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

The ceremony, believed to more than a ceremonial moment, took place in the presence of the 90-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in this northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh.

In his inaugural address at the swearing-in ceremony, Sikyong Tsering reiterated the CTA’s commitment to keep the thought and counsel of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at its very core.

“The Kashag (Cabinet) will pursue political and social welfare initiatives with the primary goal of long-term sustainability of the Tibetan struggle until a just resolution of the Tibet-China conflict is achieved,” he reiterated.

Without mincing words, he said, “Given the Chinese government’s current policy direction towards the nationalities, there does not seem to be much space for negotiations. Nevertheless, the 17th Kashag remains firmly committed to the ‘middle-way policy’ envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which seeks a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue, and mutual benefit that would be lasting.

“Accordingly, until a resolution is achieved, we will continue the backchannel communications with caution and steadiness with the Chinese government while pursuing strategies to strengthen international recognition and support for the ‘middle-way policy’.”

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, the elderly Buddhist monk met with members of the 16th Kashag of the CTA following the completion of their tenure. It is the representative of Tibetan people both in and outside Tibet.

Huge crowds began to assemble since morning at the Tsuglagkhang temple to join the ceremony. The temple is close to the official palace of the Dalai Lama.

Under the leadership of re-elected Sikyong Tsering, the Kashag continues to serve the Tibetan people with the firm belief that the future of Tibet belongs to the Tibetan people, not to authoritarian control imposed from Beijing.

“We firmly believe that every accomplishment of the 16th Kashag in the spheres of politics, administration, and social welfare is solely due to the boundless blessings and far-reaching noble deeds of His Holiness the Dalai Lama…the unyielding commitment of the Tibetan people inside Tibet — their devotion and longing for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and their determination to preserve our national identity. This remains the main source of inspiration that drives our work,” Sikyong Tsering remarked.

Reiterating his commitments, he said, “The Kashag will pursue political and social welfare initiatives with the primary goal of long-term sustainability of the Tibetan struggle until a just resolution of the Tibet-China conflict is achieved.”

The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, believes in a ‘middle-way’ approach, meaning greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence.

–IANS

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