Dharamsala, July 7 The US on Wednesday reaffirmed support to the cause of Tibet by saying its people can practice their religion, speak their language and celebrate their culture freely without interference or intimidation from China.
Extending greetings to Tibet's exiled Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday, whom Beijing regards as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said calling the exiled spiritual leader's birthday an opportunity to celebrate "the message of hope and spiritual guidance that he has shared with the world".
"And it is an opportunity for all people to recommit to ensuring the Tibetan people can practice their religion, speak their language and celebrate their culture freely without interference or intimidation from Beijing."
Writing on Twitter, Pelosi said: "May his birthday bring happiness, health and security to all."
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, believes in 'middle-way' approach, meaning greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence.
Joining the birthday celebrations from Washington on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said: "Today, we wish a happy birthday to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us.
"We commend his dedication to the global Tibetan community and to all those around the world who share in his important message of peace and kindness and his commitment to equality, and importantly to human dignity.
"We join all of those in wishing His Holiness many more years to come."
Pelosi's decades old unwavering support to the cause of the Tibetan people and now her warm greetings reaffirming the US government's support for Tibet.
This has elated the Tibetan officials of the Central Tibetan Administration
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