Taipei: - The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan has sent a message of congratulations to Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the newly-elected Prime Minister of the Tibetan government in exile. The DPP said in the message that "the Democratic Progressive Party congratulates elected leader Dr. Lobsang Sangay, and it also pleased to see that the government leaders are democratically elected by the Tibetan people. The election result is not only a victory for the Tibetan government in exile, it is also a victory for all Tibetan people."
"DPP is looking forward to have the Prime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sangay visiting Taiwan and to a more firmly based friendship."
"His Holiness the Dalai Lama has announced his retirement in March. No longer being a political leader of Tibet government in exile, he will transit his power to the elected political leader, for establishing a better democratic system for Tibet and its people. We believe that it is an important milestone to build a democratic election system for Tibetan people," the message reads.
During His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Tibetan government in exile leadership, he fully committed to fighting for the Tibetan people's human rights and democratic freedom. His Holiness has visited Taiwan many times, and he has shown deep feelings for the people of Taiwan; when Taiwan suffered from the typhoon, His Holiness also visited the affected areas in Taiwan without hesitation.
"Prime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sangay is an expert on international human rights law, he won the election, which highlighting the aspirations of the Tibetan people's eager for democracy and freedom," said DPP. "The Democratic Progressive Party is urging the Chinese government to take the opportunity for a sincere dialogue with the Tibetan Prime Minister. We also demand the Chinese authorities' attention to the Tibetan people's determination for a genuine autonomy for Tibet. Freedom and basic human rights protection must be seriously implemented into Tibetan life."
"As a new democratic nation, Taiwan is experiencing the hardships of the democratic process, but it also understanding the precious fruit of freedom; we support the Tibetan people who are working hard for freedom and democracy. The DPP appeals that the Ma Ying-jeou administration should actively communicate with China on human rights and democracy, show support for democracy in Tibet, and not be afraid of offending the Chinese authorities by deliberately avoiding the question of Tibet, resulting in damage to the international image of Taiwan."
