France concerned over self-immolations in Tibet

January 21st, 2012 - 4:34 pm ICT by IANS  

Dharamsala, Jan 21 (IANS) Expressing concern over self-immolation protests in Tibet, France has said dialogue was the only way to resolve the crisis, an official statement of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said here Saturday.

“Following the tragic incidents that have taken place in recent weeks, France expresses its sadness over deaths of young Tibetan monks by self-immolation. The extreme nature of their acts reflects a strong sense of despair,” the statement quoting French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said.

“It [France] believes that dialogue is the only way to achieve a lasting solution, while fully respecting Tibet’s cultural and spiritual identity, within the framework of the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

The CTA said 16 Tibetans had set themselves afire in the past 12 months to protest China’s policies, for their demand of freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama to his homeland. Out of these, 12 succumbed to their injuries.

India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans and the Tibetan government-in-exile, which is not recognised by any country.

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