(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
[interview] Among his closest associates, he is called "professor'n". The well-educated Buddhist monk Samdhong Rinpoche (69) has, since his election in 2001, been prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile. We meet him in the exile government's "capital", Dharamsala, while a whole world now follows the tug-of-war between Buddhist monks and communist politicians.
Despite his predilection for scientific pursuits, Rinpoche emerges as the quintessence of a statesman, with a clear understanding of the realities of international politics. He has a doctorate in theology, but knows that despite the reassuring words of the international leaders, no one really wants to touch China – the country that enjoys ever-increasing economic influence and which will host the Summer Olympics in August.
Even now, nobody really wants to do anything, even after a whole world has reacted to China's brutal suppression of Tibetan protests in recent weeks, which started 10. March, on the 49 anniversary of the escape from Communist China's assault on 1959.
How do you think the current crisis in Tibet will unfold?
- The situation is different from previous situations. Both sides are inflexible. On the one hand, there is the unstoppable Chinese oppression and use of force, and on the other hand, the protests are now continuing domestically. We feel helpless. There is no power to prevent this. The world community is also a silent observer. We are grateful for comforting words and condemnation of the oppression. However, no concrete steps are taken to send independent teams to report from the actual situation. The situation is complicated. We are concerned about the wounded. There is no medical help. Our people cannot go to the hospitals run by the Chinese government. It looks bad.
Did the visit of United States Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the House of Representatives in Congress, help the Tibetan cause?
- The fact that she has been here in such a time of crisis is appreciated by the people. She was very involved, and we briefed her and her delegation on the matter. It's good that she's brought our thoughts forward. She has called for an independent commission to investigate the allegations against His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and for Tibet to allow independent political power and pressure to enter the country to give the world a proper idea of what is going on there. We pray that those who are imprisoned must be released. The message she has sent out is good, and will hopefully be noticed in the international community.
The Chinese ambassador to India has repeated the allegations that the Dalai Lama's group is responsible for the violent protests in Tibet. Did you say that?
- I do not want to answer that. The whole world knows what the truth is. His Holiness can never ask anyone to participate in violence. He is a religious leader, a pacifist.
What triggered these protests?
March 10 is an important date for us because it marks the day of the 1959 uprising. On that day, seven or eight monks gathered, along with two or three secular ones, to mark the anniversary. They were brutally beaten by the police. This aroused the rage of our people, and they decided to go out and demonstrate peacefully. The rest you know.
- If he knew this would lead to bloodshed, why did the Dalai Lama not stop the demonstrations?
- His Holiness has already sent out a plea to the international community to stop China. He also says the protests must be peaceful. But it is difficult for us to say whether the Tibetan people should demonstrate or not. They are the ones living under Chinese rule, and we do not know the conditions they face. Although non-violence is a national obligation for us, we do not have the right to ask them to stop their peaceful demonstrations. This was started on the citizens' own initiative, and they do not want us to intervene.
Do you agree with them?
- It is not up to me to agree or disagree. Every human being has the right to express his or her views. This is a fundamental right. How can anyone take away the right to protest peacefully?
After all this, are you still open to talking to China?
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama has already said that he is willing to speak. Despite China's brutal repression, we know it's important to speak out. We should talk to prevent more blood from flowing, and try to resolve the crisis because people are suffering.
How do today's demonstrations differ from previous demonstrations?
- By its contagious effect. Previously, the protests were centered around Lhasa, and could be defeated by raw power. But this time, despite protests, the protests are spreading to ever new areas.
You know that many young Tibetans do not agree with the "middle way" chosen by the Dalai Lama. Are you worried if young people will take up arms and become more radical?
- Yes, young people can get frustrated and angry. They are all worried about the news from Tibet. But I'm pretty sure Tibetan youth will always go for non-violence methods. I am sure that young people both inside and outside Tibet will never resort to violence. It is part of our religion to refrain from violence.
Given that the world is doing big business with China, can you realistically expect any country in the world to ruin its relationship with China to support Tibet?
- Yes, profit and the huge Chinese market are very attractive. I think the world is ready to close its eyes. Remember that even during the Tianamen Square uprising in 1989, it was "business as usual".
Has the UN system failed Tibet?
- The UN is the most undemocratic system in the world. We have no expectations of the UN. Since 1960, lies have been told about Tibet at the UN, but nothing has been done. The UN system needs reforms. And at the moment, the UN is nothing more than a white elephant (an expensive but useless thing, editor's note).
Has India's position been wrong?
Did you not expect anything more from democratic India? – No, India has always been very helpful. Last Saturday's statement from the embassy was very good. In any case, India has done much more for Tibet than any other country in the world has done. They have allowed us to preserve our Buddhist religion and culture.
Still, the Dalai Lama himself says that India has been over-cautious?
- Sometimes it is good to be careful.
What about the US attitude to Tibet?
- The United States has always been very supportive of our cause. Regardless of whether they have been Democrats or Republicans, they have shown us sympathy and support.
Interviewer Seema Guha is a New Time columnist and commentator in the Daily News and Analysis (DNA), Mumbai, India.
Translated by Therese Stordahl.
© DNA, India. Exclusive right in Norway: New Time.
