Nobel to Liu could bring change in China: Dalai Lama
By IANSTuesday, October 12, 2010
DHARAMSALA - Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has said the Nobel Peace Prize to jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo could bring change in China.
“Change in China depends on many factors. Yes, this Nobel Peace Prize is one of the many factors. China needs many Liu Xiaobos to bring change,” the spiritual leader, himself a Nobel Peace Prize winner, told reporters in Japan Monday, according to a post on the website of the Central Tibetan Administration here.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced in Oslo Oct 8 that Liu, currently serving an 11-year prison sentence on charges of inciting subversion of state power in China, was unanimously chosen for his long-standing struggle for human rights in China.
The Dalai Lama, 75, said: “Chinese leaders now need to open up and come out from that narrow-minded attitude. The leadership should accept the reality, what the Chinese people are demanding is what is already being provided in the nation’s constitution. Blocking BBC, CNN and news media will not help. It will only bring bad name to China.”
“The world has recognised your noble effort, despite the temporary setback, you should not lose your heart. Keep up your moral strength and determination. The world is behind you,” the spiritual leader said while referring to Liu’s contribution towards democracy and freedom in China.
The parliament-in-exile headquartered in this hill town also congratulated Liu Tuesday.
“On behalf of the Tibetans, the parliament-in-exile wishes to express hearty congratulations to Liu… (This) marks a new chapter in the development of democracy and respect of human rights in China,” it said in an official statement.
“We hope Liu will be able to attend the presentation ceremony in Oslo on Dec 10,” the statement added.
The Dalai Lama, who was awarded the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, fled Tibet along with many of his supporters and took refuge in India when Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa in 1959.
He has ever since been heading the Tibetan government-in-exile from here.
