[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 82 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THE DALAI LAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 2000

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, today I join the Taiwanese-American Community 
of Southern California in welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His 
Holiness' speech on ``Love, Compassion and Universal Responsibility'' 
is certain to motivate and inspire this historic gathering.
  In 1991 Congress passed a resolution stating that Tibet is an 
occupied country whose true representatives are the Dalai Lama and the 
Tibetan Government-in-Exile.
  Forced to flee brutal repression in his homeland, the Dalai Lama is 
now living in enforced exile. Although the Dalai Lama has repeatedly 
stated that he seeks only autonomy and not the independence that his 
people so rightly deserve, the Communist Chinese dictatorship refuses 
to negotiate. And yet the Dalai Lama continues to exhort his followers 
to adhere to the Buddhist principle of nonviolence. His message of hope 
and freedom through non-violence is an inspiration to us all.
  We must never forget the suffering that the people of Tibet have been 
forced to endure. The government of the People's Republic of China 
should be held accountable for the immense damage that has resulted 
from its invasion and occupation of Tibet. The almost complete 
destruction of Tibet's unique cultural treasures, the attempt to 
eradicate the Buddhist religion, and the intense repression has never 
been adequately redressed.
  I know I speak for all the Members of this House who voted for 
freedom in Tibet when I say we welcome His Holiness and look forward to 
the day when Tibet is free and its people can express themselves 
without fear. We will look back on these meetings and know that the 
cause of freedom was advanced and that we did the right thing to stand 
by His Holiness the Dalai Lama's side.

                          ____________________