Dharamshala: - Expressing their serious concern over recent spate of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet, the US government urged Beijing to address counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions, and to protect Tibet's unique religious, cultural, and linguistic identity.
Asked if the US have raised the issue of Tibetan self-immolations with the Chinese government, a State Department spokesperson said: "Yes, we have, and we remain seriously concerned by reports, since April, of eight Tibetan Buddhist monks and one nun self-immolating at or near the Ngaba Kirti monastery."
"These acts clearly represent anger and frustration with regard to Tibetan human rights, including religious freedom, inside China," the spokesperson said during a daily press briefing in Washington, DC, on 18 October.
"We again call on the Chinese Government to respect the rights of all Chinese citizens who peacefully express their desire for internationally recognized freedoms, particularly to respect the rights of Tibetans, and to resolve the underlying grievances of China's Tibetan population."
"We urge Chinese leaders to address counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions; and to protect Tibet's unique religious, cultural, and linguistic identity," the spokesperson said.
