Thursday, January 19, 2017, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Mr. Penpa Tsering today met with the Congressman Salud Carbajal, the member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California’s 24th district. The district contains all of Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County as well the Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County. The President of International Campaign for Tibet Mr. Matteo Mecacci, Vice President Bhuchung Tsering and Thelpo Tulku, Co-founder of Santa Barbara Summit for Tibet also attended the meeting.
Meeting discussed the current Tibet issues and democratic system with its administrative in exile. Mr. Penpa Tsering also brought up aspiration of Tibetan American, especially with the new President Elect Trump Administration and during the transition period, Rep. Penpa Tsering expressed his hope to garner continued support in the House for Tibet. He also briefed Congressman with the upcoming visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the United States and the core commitments of His Holiness. Meeting discussed the Tibetan Policy Act 2002 and attendee expressed their hope for the speedy appointment of Special Coordinator for Tibet in State Department.
Representative Penpa Tsering detailed situation inside Tibet viz. Environmental situation, Religious Freedom taking account from the Lharung Ghar destruction, and wave of self Immolation taking place since early 2008. The Congressman expressed his support and deep concern for the Human Rights situation inside Tibet and he assured his friendship for the Tibet.
