His Holiness the Dalai Lama congratulates Liu Xiaobo

Editor | April 29, 2014 |

Oct. 8 (dalailama.com): Following is the press statement issued by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the awarding of 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to Chinese activist and intellectual Liu Xiaobo: I would like to offer my heart-felt congratulations to Mr. Liu Xiaobo for being awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

Awarding the Peace Prize to him is the international community’s
recognition of the increasing voices among the Chinese people in
pushing China towards political, legal and constitutional reforms.

I have been personally moved as well as encouraged by the efforts of
hundreds of Chinese intellectuals and concerned citizens, including
Mr. Liu Xiaobo in signing the Charter 08, which calls for democracy
and freedom in China.

I expressed my admiration in a public statement on 12 December 2008, two days after it was released and while I was on a visit to Poland. I believe in the years ahead, future generations of
Chinese will be able to enjoy the fruits of the efforts that the
current Chinese citizens are making towards responsible governance.

I believe that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s recent comments on freedom of speech being indispensable for any country and people’s wish for democracy and freedom being irresistible are a reflection of the growing yearning for a more open China. Such reforms can only lead to a harmonious, stable and prosperous China, which can contribute greatly to a more peaceful world.

I would like to take this opportunity to renew my call to the
government of China to release Mr. Liu Xiaobo and other prisoners of
conscience who have been imprisoned for exercising their freedom of
expression.

Link: http://bit.ly/bjJki9