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Dalai Lama congratulates Obama

By Lobsang Wangyal | Tibet Sun

An undated photo of then Senator Barack Obama with the Dalai Lama in 2005. The foreign minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile congratulated him for winning the historic US elections to become the 44th president of the US.Unknown

The Dalai Lama, while congratulating Obama for his election as the President of the US, urged him to work to bring change in the lives of those millions who continue to struggle for basic human needs.

“I am encouraged that the American people have chosen a President who reflects America’s diversity and her fundamental ideal that any person can rise up to the highest office in the land. This is a proud moment for America and one that will be celebrated by many peoples around the world,” the Dalai Lama wrote in a congratulatory letter to Obama.

“As the President of the United States, you will certainly have great and difficult tasks before you, but also many opportunities to create change in the lives of those millions who continue to struggle for basic human needs. You must also remember and work for these people, wherever they may be,” he wrote.

Barack Obama was elected as the 44th president of the US, capturing the White House for the Democratic party in a landslide victory defeating Republican John McCain.

Obama, 47, last met the Dalai Lama in November 2005 when he attended a private Senate Foreign Relations Committee briefing with the Dalai Lama.

He sent a letter to the Dalai Lama in July this year showing his concern and support for the Tibetan cause, and telephoned the Dalai Lama this spring when China cracked down on the Tibetans protesters in Tibet.

The Dalai Lama commended Obama’s determination and moral courage which was seen throughout the long presidential campaign.

He also wrote that the American Presidential elections inspire millions of people around the world for validating the belief in democracy, freedom and equality of opportunities.

Copyright © 2008 Tibet Sun

Published in Tibet Sun