Cambodian MP's Open Letter to President Hu Jintao Calls for Dialogue on Tibet

26 March 2012, Amsterdam - Mr. Son Chhay, a member of the National Assembly in Cambodia has in an open letter to President Hu Jintao (see here and here) called for negotiations to resolve the issue of Tibet as the Chinese President is scheduled to visit Cambodia from 30 March to 2 April, 2011.

In the letter dated 26 March, 2012, Mr. Chhay said: "The continuation of China's systematic repression of Tibetan people can not be ignored. Tibetans are gentle and peace loving people and they are seeking a level of autonomy to preserve their culture and their way of life. Surely it is not too much to ask. President Hu Jintao please use your authority to put an end to any further egregious human rights violations and begin to reconcile with the Tibetan Government-in-exile to settle the problem by beginning negotiations, without further delay, with His Holiness the Dalai Lama."

The letter also raising many concerns about China's policies which affect Cambodia while touching on the current situation in Tibet stated: "ln particular, recent events in Tibet have involved the self-immolation of a number of Tibetans - the last count was 30 confirmed self-immolations since February 2009. President, this is their desperate attempt to gain the world's attention over the plight of Tibet and the lack of religious freedom, some as young as 18 years old!

Mr. Chhay was one of the parliamentarians who joined the Tibetans on 2 September, 2010 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Tibetan Democracy Day which took place at Sera Monastery in Bylakuppe, South India.

In solidarity for Free Tibet Bylakuppe, South India, September 1010 (Photo Son Chhay)

Tibetan monks in exile at Sera monastery to celebrate 50th anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day.

Tibetan people! Waiting to return home from more than 50 years in exile (Photo-Son Chhay)