Washington, DC – “While meeting China’s leader Xi Jinping in Beijing President Obama should take the opportunity to raise once again the issue of Tibet.

The situation continues to deteriorate in Tibet, where far too many political prisoners are unjustly detained and mistreated and where self-immolations have vividly reminded us the depth of decades of suffering and oppression. Religious freedom continues to be denied to Tibetans, while China goes on with its campaign aimed at denigrating the Dalai Lama.

The US Congress and the American people continue to be concerned with the situation in Tibet and overwhelmingly support the Dalai Lama and his quest for justice for the Tibetan people. President Obama should reflect this sentiment and voice the same while meeting President Xi Jinping, to make sure that basic human values are not forgotten in the great game of politics and diplomacy.”