(The Tibet Post International 6 November 2008) His Holiness the Dalai
Lama congratulated United States President-elect Barack Obama on his
election win in a message sent Wednesday November 5, 2008.
Obama defeated opposing candidate Senator John McCain to become the
first African-American elected President of the United States in the
election held on Tuesday November 4, 2008.
In his message, His
Holiness wrote, “I am encouraged that the American people have chosen a
President who reflects America's diversity and her fundamental ideal
that any person can rise up to the highest office in the land. This is
a proud moment for America and one that will be celebrated by many
peoples around the world.”
As a United States Senator and
Presidential candidate, Obama has repeatedly voiced his support for the
Dalai Lama and the struggle of the Tibetan people for greater human
rights in Tibet. In a statement following the uprisings in March of
this year Obama said, “If Tibetans are to live in harmony with the rest
of China's people, their religion and culture must be respected and
protected. Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy.”
The President-elect and His Holiness last met at a US Senate Foreign
Relations Committee event in 2005. During the Dalai Lama’s July 2008
visit to the United States they corresponded through telephone and post
but were unable to meet face-to-face due to Obama’s tight campaign
schedule.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile also sent their
congratulations to the new President-elect. In their congratulatory
message, Speaker Karma Chopel wrote, “During the course of the
electioneering, we have noted with satisfaction your interest in the
Tibetan issue and your growing support for the Tibetan cause. Your
distinguished predecessors, irrespective of their party affiliations,
have supported the Tibetan issue strongly and have had a close and
friendly relationship with our leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We
hope that you will not only maintain the tradition but give an added
thrust in view of the strong resentment shown openly by our people
living under the Chinese rule in Tibet,”
Full text of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message to President-elect Barack Obama:
November 5, 2008
H.E. Barack Obama
President-elect of the United States of America
Washington, DC
U.S.A.
Dear President-elect Obama,
Congratulations on your election as the President of the United States of America.
I am encouraged that the American people have chosen a President who
reflects America's diversity and her fundamental ideal that any person
can rise up to the highest office in the land. This is a proud moment
for America and one that will be celebrated by many peoples around the
world.
The American Presidential elections are always a great
source of encouragement to people throughout the world who believe in
democracy, freedom and equality of opportunities.
May I also
commend the determination and moral courage that you have demonstrated
throughout the long campaign, as well as the kind heart and steady hand
that you often showed when challenged. I recall our own telephone
conversation this spring and these same essential qualities came
through in your concern for the situation in Tibet.
As the
President of the United States, you will certainly have great and
difficult tasks before you, but also many opportunities to create
change in the lives of those millions who continue to struggle for
basic human
needs. You must also remember and work for these people, wherever they may be.
With my prayers and good wishes,
Yours sincerely,
THE DALAI LAMA