Monday, November 16, 2015

The Dalai Lama Condemns Paris Attacks

DHARAMSHALA, November 16: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday condemned the series of terror attacks in Paris on Friday, which killed over 130 people.

“Despite its many spectacular developments, the 20th century was also a period of unprecedented violence springing from the idea that problems can best be solved by force. Much of the violence of the early 21st century can be seen as spilling over from that. However, no wants to face problems. We only want to live a peaceful life, but we need to pursue a systematic programme of education, from KG to university, to bring this about. If we can do this, the 21st century could become a period of peace and dialogue,” His Holiness told the 5th Convocation of the Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab.

“Violence is a reaction by short-sighted, out-of-control people. At 81, I believe it cannot be resolved through prayers or government help. We have to begin the change at individual level and then move on to neighborhood and society,” said the Tibetan leader.

The Tibetan exile government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration, also condemned the killings and offered condolences to the victims and families who lost their near ones.

The Prime Minister (Sikyong) Dr. Lobsang Sangay said, “I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and strongly condemn the attacks undertaken by a few misguided fanatics.

“Terrorism is an attack on mankind and those who perpetrate such attacks do not represent any faith or community. It is a scourge and cannot be justified in any way through moral, political or religious affiliations,” he added.

He called on the world to act as one to ‘combat terrorism and restore security and stability in the world’ while emphasizing the need for a coordinated and collaborative international approach in the wake of terror attacks.

“The Tibetan people stand united with the people of France in this painful time.”

Paris, home to a sizeable number of Tibetan refugees, suffered the deadliest violence on its soil since World War II last week.

original link: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=36742