Miriam asked to help in Tibet struggle for autonomy

MANILA, Philippines - In recognition of her long-standing support for the struggle for autonomy and religious freedom in Tibet, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was asked by the regional representative of the Dalai Lama to spearhead the Tibet Support Group (TSG) activities in the country.

In a letter dated Aug. 25, 2010, Lhakpa Tshoko, representative of the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia, asked Santiago for assistance in forming and heading TSG initiatives in the country.

Tshoko said the TSG from the Philippines will participate in the 6th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups at Surajkund, Haryana, India, from Nov. 5 to 7, 2010. The conference will be headed by the Indian TSG, and will be facilitated by the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala, India.

“As a longtime advocate for Tibet, I am honored to accept this request. I am confident that the Tibet Support Group in the Philippines will be of great help to the cause,” Santiago said.

She said that she would launch an online campaign to find participants for the TSG who will attend the conference.

Santiago recalled that she met Tshoko during the 5th World Parliamentarian’s Convention on Tibet last November in Rome. In his letter, Tshoko recalled Santiago suggesting the idea of organizing a study group in Manila where he could give a talk on Tibet and the Tibetan situation.

Santiago also met the Dalai Lama in Rome last Nov. 29.

It was widely believed that Santiago did not get the China vote for her World Court candidacy because of her support for Tibet.