New U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks after his swearing-in ceremony, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, U.S., REUTERS/Carlos Barria
DHARAMSHALA: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay today congratulated Rex Tillerson – former Chairman and Chief Executive of Exxon Mobile, on his appointment as Secretary of State in the Trump administration.
In his congratulatory note, Sikyong wrote: “On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people, I congratulate you on becoming the 69th Secretary of State of the United States. I wish you the best on your responsibility.
“Tibetans are most grateful for the support the United States has given to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people. I humbly request that you meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at your earliest convenience. Tibetans in Tibet continue to suffer from the repressive and flawed policies of the Chinese government. Human rights situation in Tibet has worsened in recent years. Tibet is now ranked the second worst country in Freedom House’s ‘Freedom in the World 2016’ report with only Syria scoring lower. Since 2009, 145 brave Tibetans have committed self-immolation of which sadly 125 have died,” Sikyong said.
“The Tibetan leadership is committed to resolving the Tibet issue through dialogue and non violence. I hope your Administration will use its influence and call on China to resume dialogue with representatives of the Tibetan leadership based on the Middle Way Approach and without pre-conditions.”
“I, also, humbly urge you to appoint a Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues as soon as possible. This important position that coordinates all Tibetan-related activities within the US State Department was until recently occupied by Dr Sarah Seawall, who also served as the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights,” he concluded.