Dharamsala, March 5: The 14th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPIE) began its fifth session yesterday afternoon.
In his opening address, Karma Chophel, speaker of the TPIE, gave an account of events that happened in Tibet in past six months.
He expressed concern over the deplorable human rights situation in Tibet, including denunciation campaign conducted by the Chinese authorities at Gaden Rabgyeling monastery against His Holiness the Dalai Lama, suppression of traditional Tibetan festival at Rebkong monastery and arrest of Rungye Adrak.
He spoke on the lack of positive approach from the Chinese government despite Tibetan leadership’s best effort in creating conducive atmosphere during six rounds of dialogue. The speaker called on the Chinese government to respect the fundamental human rights and religious freedom in Tibet.
He lauded the bold initiative of Tibetan monastic communities in their resolve to end the Dolgyal (Shugden) worship, following the long life offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama held at Drepung monastery in south India in February. This session will present motions to strengthen the present resolution adopted by the TPiE against the propitiation of Shugden, he added.
The house passed resolutions to mourn the passing away of three outstanding figures -Kyabje Minling Trichen Rinpoche, head of Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, Congressman Tom Lantos, a champion of human rights and long time friend of Tibet and Mr. Gonpo Dhondup, a former Member of Parliament. As a mark of respect, the house observed three-minute silence.
The members welcomed Kalon Ngodup Donchung, Kalon Tsering Dhondup and Kalon Chope Paljor Tsering as they made their first attendance at the parliament session since their appointment.
Kalon Tsering Dhodup, the kalon for the Department of Finance will table budget proposal for the year 2008-09 during this session.
