Dharamshala — Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel have congratulated Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on receiving the 2016 Nobel Prize for Peace "for his resolute efforts to bring the country's more than 50-year-long civil war to an end."
"I heartily congratulate you for being awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. This award is a homage to your wholehearted investment to bring peace to your country despite the setbacks along the way," Tibetan prime minister Dr Lobsang Sangay says in a message of congratulations to Colombian President Santos for his efforts to help end the long-running conflict in his country.
In a world beset with tragedies and conflicts caused as a result of violent ideologies, your unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue is truly inspirational and motivating."
"As the political leader of a country occupied by China, I feel your chosen path to combat conflicts through an untiring willingness for dialogue is not only important and significant, but also paves an example for others like us to follow."
"As His Holiness the Dalai Lama says, the 21st century should be a century of dialogue. Dialogue allows people to span their differences and forge shared frames of reference. I feel it gives those formerly excluded from decision-making an opportunity to participate in the process of finding common ground and establishing priorities for action, which is why it is extremely crucial today than ever before."
"I wish you all the success and hope that the spirit of dialogue which this award represents, herald a new day of peace and reconciliation in your country."
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile's speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphei also praised the Columbian President as well efforts to achieve peace for his country and the region. "The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, on behalf of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, wholeheartedly congratulate you on being awarded the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. The award recognizes and acknowledges your untiring efforts towards establishment of a peace process to the long standing struggle of Colombia," he said.
Additionally the Speaker said that, "This award is also a tribute to the people of Colombia, the victims of the Colombian civil war and to all the parties who have contributed to the peace process despite the hardships and adversity they faced and still continue to struggle for peace."
"This award shows that dialogue remains the only way to resolve any disputes or differences in this world. It stands up for the peace strugglers and confirms that peace is the only weapon through which every conflicts can be resolved."
"We are with your struggle and we pray for you and your people's ongoing struggle for the peaceful reconciliation process in Colombia," the Tibetan parliament Speaker added.
Many other world leaders queued up to congratulate President Santos, on the historic peace deal reached with the FARC.
'I would like to congratulate this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos,' said Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
"I congratulate President Santos for the Nobel. I hope it leads to a change in the accords that are damaging for our democracy," said Santos' arch rival and predecessor, Colombian conservative hardliner Alvaro Uribe.
"We obviously all hope, having been there during the process and invested in it, that this can still work out and get over the hurdles that remain," said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
"This is an extraordinary stage for Colombia in its intense search for peace. Santos now has a lot to do to take Colombians down the path of peace," said Guatemalan indigenous rights activist Rigoberta Menchu, who won the Nobel in 1992.
"This award says to them: you have come too far to turn back now. The peace process should inspire our world," said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, on what this year's Nobel Peace Prize means for Colombians.
"I wish you and the Colombian people great strength, stamina and success in the future in taking the next steps on the way to lasting peace," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in a congratulatory note to Santos.
"We hope today's announcement will embolden the parties to continue efforts to reach a definitive peace agreement that ensures the right of victims to truth, justice and reparation and brings an end to the human rights violations that have marked the armed conflict," said Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary General.
"What pride for our region! Keep working to ensure that peace becomes a reality," said Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra.
"The award is a matter of pride not only for Colombians, but for the entire region," said Brazilian President Michel Temer.
"We hope to help consolidate peace in Colombia," said Argentine rights defender Adolfo Perez Esquivel, 1980 Nobel Peace laureate.
US President Barack Obama says the Nobel committee "made the right decision" by awarding its peace prize to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos for his efforts to end a civil war that killed more than 200,000 Colombians.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee said it believes Mr Santos, despite the No vote, "has brought the bloody conflict significantly closer to a peaceful solution".
The 65-year-old Colombian president was recognized for tireless efforts to end the chronic violence that has gripped his South American country for decades. The deal he helped negotiate would have given the rebel forces substantial inducements to join the political process.
In an interview for the Nobel Committee website, Santos stated "It's simply a matter of believing in a cause and there is no better cause for any society, for any country, than living in Peace."
A record 376 candidates were nominated for this year's award, which carries a prize of 8 million Swedish kronor (£745,000). Last year's peace prize went to Tunisia's National Dialogue Quartet for its efforts to build a pluralistic democracy.
