Opposition Lawmaker To Mark Tibet's Democracy Day

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer | Washington, DC
Friday, 27 August 2010

via Khmer NZ

Photo: AP
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, center, leads a prayer session for the people who have suffered in the recent natural disasters in India, China, Pakistan and Russia, in Dharmsala, India.

"The Dalai Lama's non-violent protests are an example to world leaders."

Opposition lawmaker Son Chhay is expected to join a major celebration for Tibet's government in exile, officials said.

Tibet's exiled government, led by the Dalai Lama to seek genuine autonomy within the Chinese state framework in the mountainous province, will hold the 50th anniversary of Democracy Day Sept. 2 in India, marking the formation of the first elected Tibetan Parliament in India.

Son Chhay told VOA Khmer he would give an address to the celebrants, “to applaud Tibetans, who have struggled strongly under the leadership of the Dalai Lama.”

The Dalai Lama's non-violent protests are an example to world leaders, he said.

Son Chhay will join representatives from 14 countries, including members of parliament from the EU, Africa and others.

At least 130,000 Tibetans live in exile in India, while 3 million more live under Chinese rule, where rights groups say they face rights abuses and persecution.

Tibet's government in exile now have an elected parliament, legislature and executive body, Urgen Tenzin, director of the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy, told VOA Khmer Thursday.

“It's very important for Tibetans living in exile to practice the democratic system,” he said.