The former president of the African country Botswana in a direct challenge to the Chinese government called out for united support to the Tibetans and their cause. The former president has made a statement for the 7th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet taking place in Riga, Latvia from 7-10 May.
In defying the Chinese government which has urged the Botswana government to tell its citizens to respect the One China Policy, the former president of the African state has called for united efforts to support the Central Tibetan Administration.
“Just as the progressive world united to end apartheid in South Africa, the former President appeals for united efforts to support the objectives of the Central Tibet Administration and the Tibet people they represent,” a statement issued by Khama’s office said on Tuesday.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising day on March 10 and 60 years since the arrival of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to exile in 1959. On that significant date, the Central Tibetan Administration had officially invited former president of Botswana, Ian Khama to participate at the event here in Dharamshala, India. Khama attended the event despite objection from their government and the Chinese government.
Besides Khama’s participation in the commemorative event of the Tibetan community, the former president met His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, the residence of the Tibetan spiritual leader in exile.