Foyle MP Mark Durkan
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has co-sponsored a parliamentary motion at Westminster today congratulating the Dalai Lama on his forthcoming 80th birthday.
And he is also calling on the Chinese government to find a peaceful solution to the grievances of the Tibetan people which will allow His Holiness to return to his homeland.
Mr Durkan, who met the Dalai Lama on his visits to Derry in 2007 and 2013, said: “On 6 July we will once again celebrate the wisdom, warmth and inspiration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
“However, we are still looking forward to celebrating justice, freedom and peace for the people of Tibet.
“His Holiness has a unique and compelling appeal as a world figure who reaches out to all people with a message of compassion, kindness and mutual understanding.
“Indeed, the people of Ireland have long been impressed by the Dalai Lama’s steadfast commitment to peaceful means in the struggle for Tibetan independence.
“I am therefore calling on the Chinese government to enter into immediate and meaningful dialogue with the Tibetan government-in-exile as the only way to resolve this long standing issue.
“In addition, I want to acknowledge the patience and peaceful means that the Dalai Lama has followed over many years in promoting human rights in Tibet. China must be pressed to respond to these concerns in a proper way.
“His Holiness and the people of Tibet also deserve to know that our solidarity with their non-violent struggle is not diminished by China’s growing economic status.”
