The chairman of International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), Richard Gere will testify before the United States Congress on the U.S. Tibet policy today at 2pm local time in Washington. The staunch Tibet supporter and Hollywood actor will also be joined by Tenzin Tethong, Director of Tibetan Service, Radio Free Asia and Carl Gershman, President, National Endowment for Democracy.
“The Hearing is being held at a critical moment for evaluation of U.S. government Tibet policy following President Trump’s visit to China, where he failed to speak publicly about human rights and Tibet. It follows the introduction of a bipartisan Concurrent Resolution to the Senate on November 16, 2017 asking the Trump Administration to make Tibet an important factor in US-China relations, and calling upon the Trump Administration to fully implement the US Tibetan Policy Act, to promote access of US citizens to Tibet, and to encourage China to speak to the Dalai Lama leading to a negotiated agreement on Tibet.” said the report in the official website of the ICT.
“Subcommittee will hear from experts on the current situation, their projections for the future and recommendations on how to promote access, religious freedom and human rights in Tibet.” quoted the report as Subcommittee Chairman Yoho saying in a statement.
“This hearing is being held at a critical time for Tibet, and for the world, given the implications of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power and vision of global dominance.” said Matteo Mecacci, President of the International Campaign for Tibet according to the report.
“At this stage in Tibet’s history, which the Dalai Lama has described as almost the darkest period in around 2,000 years, Chinese Communist Party policies represent the most serious threat to the survival of Tibetan Buddhist culture, identity, as well as its fragile high altitude environment. Xi Jinping’s ‘control state’ is also a clear and present danger to all of us, not only to Tibet.” added the report as Matteo saying.
“The Dalai Lama is a much loved figure of rare religious and moral authority in the world today, revered by people across the U.S.A. While he is in his eighties, he is still vigorous and deeply engaged. It has never been more important for Congress to express its unwavering support, reflecting the decades-long and broad bipartisan support that exists for the Dalai Lama and Tibet among the American public. This should serve as a strong statement to Chinese leaders that the international community will continue to hold them accountable for the violation of the Tibetan people’s rights.”
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