Senate Honors Dalai Lama
September 9, 2003

Washington DC - The U.S. Senate last night passed a resolution honoring His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as the exiled leader begins a U.S. visit. Introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the resolution recognizes the Dalai Lama's efforts to peacefully resolve the Tibet issue and to increase the religious and cultural autonomy of the Tibetan people.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an extraordinary man who has devoted his life to non-violence, human rights, freedom, and democracy," Senator Feinstein said. "I believe the Dalai Lama is absolutely sincere in his desire to negotiate a peaceful solution to what has been a great tragedy for the Tibetan people."

"I have made every effort to encourage rapprochement between China and Tibet, including helping to pass messages from His Holiness, the Dalai Lama to the government of the People's Republic of China," Senator Feinstein said. "I hope that his visit to Washington will increase understanding of the Tibetan situation here in the United States and ensure our support for substantive dialogue between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama."

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