IFP MEDIA STATEMENT BY: 
PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY

18 March 2008

We have watched with concern the events unfolding in Tibet and neighbouring regions in recent days.

We appeal for cooler tempers to prevail. It is relevant to note that the Dharamsala Tibetan government-in-exile today no longer seeks fully-fledged independence, but is prepared to hold negotiations on genuine self-government and the demilitarisation and transformation of Tibet into a zone of Ahimsa (peace and no violence). His Holiness the Dahlai Lama has spoken to me about cultural autonomy.  

I encourage Tibet and China to resolve these outstanding issues around the negotiating table forthwith.  

A lasting solution must be for Tibet to find a home in a broad definition of China united by cultural diversity, language and propelled by a giant economic powerhouse.      

Economic liberation nearly always precedes democracy and freedom. I sincerely hope this development will soon replicate in China. I remain optimistic that the Sino-Tibetan debate can be resolved amicably and satisfactorily to all parties.  

We encourage China to adhere to international standards of human rights and to recognise Tibet's unique cultural and religious identity. This, we believe, is in Beijing's long-term interests as much as Dharamsala's.

We say this because we wish China well too as she prepares for this year's Olympic Games and in recognition of the global role that the new China plays in the twenty-first century. It would be a catastrophe if the troubling incidents in Tibet were to intensify and blight the Games and China's prestige.

We similarly continue to encourage Tibet to engage with Beijing and to ensure that they also benefit from the country's strong economic growth. 

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP