Dharamshala — Tibetan leaders including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, President Dr Lobsang Sangay and others have congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel on winning her fourth consecutive victory in the German National Election, on September 25, 2017.
In his congratulatory note, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote:
“This result reflects an appreciation of your standing by your principles, your farsightedness and your ability to fulfil the people’s aspirations. The strength and stability you have brought to your leadership within the European Union has also been a beacon of hope and inspiration, not just in Germany, but to the wider world.”
“I have deep admiration for the spirit of the European Union, emphasising as it does the importance of the greater collective interest and welfare of its members. I believe this co-operative spirit could be an inspiration for similar unions in Africa, Latin America and Asia in times to come, contributing to the greater peace and prosperity of the world.”
President of the Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay, said, “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Chancellor Angela Merkel on winning the German National election for the fourth consecutive term.
“Your historic victory is a tribute to the characteristic dignity that you have lent to the world and to your country in a time of great anguish and tragedy. As the torch bearer of liberal democracy and compassionate leadership, you have welcomed over a million displaced refugees which has reignited hopes and vision of a world united in dealing with global challenges. As Tibetans, your victory is of great significance to us. We remain constantly enthused by your resolute determination to raise your voice for the voiceless and powerless. Therefore, as you embark on your fourth term, we hope you will continue to support the issue of Tibet for a peaceful resolution based on dialogue and reconciliation,” Dr Sangay said.
Speaker Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel wrote a note of congratulations on behalf of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, saying, "As the first female Chancellor of Germany, you have set a mark of inspiration and motivation for the women all over the world. Your constant victory is clearly reflective of the charismatic leadership quality of yours and the hope s and the trust of your people."
He took this opportunity to proffer his gratitude to her and her government for "being supportive in preserving the cultural identity of Tibet and for the peaceful resolution of Tibet’s issue through Middle Way Approach."
"Regardless of Chinese criticism, your unwavering reverence towards His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the cause of Tibet will always remain in our heart," he wrote.
Angela Merkel has won fourth term as Chancellor of Germany. Her party, the Christian Democrats (CDU), scored 32.5 percent of the votes in Sunday’s election, according to the first exit polls issued at 6 pm German local time, against Social Democrats, Merkel’s closest challenger, distant 20 percent.
She became the first female chancellor of Germany after winning the election in 2005.
