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Pelosi Remarks at the International Campaign for Tibet's 'Light of Truth' Awards Ceremony;

October 7, 2009

Pelosi Remarks at the International Campaign for Tibet's 'Light of Truth' Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C.- Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at the International Campaign for Tibet's (ICT) “Light of Truth†awards ceremony in the Sidney Harman Hall. The “Light of Truth†Award is presented to individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions to the public understanding of Tibet and the fight for human rights of the Tibetan people. Below are the Speaker's remarks as prepared:

“Thank you, Richard Gere, for your warm welcome and for your leadership on behalf of the people of Tibet as Chair of the International Campaign for Tibet. Congratulations to the Light of Truth Award winners: Wang Lixiong and the late Julia Taft. They exemplify leadership in the fight for the human rights and democratic freedom of the Tibetan people.

“Today I am honored to be called upon to introduce His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Two years ago, in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, President Bush and bipartisan leaders of Congress honored the Dalai Lama with the Congressional Gold Medal. In accepting, His Holiness brought luster to the award.

“Yesterday, in the United States Capitol, His Holiness was honored with the inaugural Lantos Human Rights Prize. Inscribed on this medal are the stirring words of Tom Lantos: 'The rights of one are the rights of all.' Ensuring rights for all people is the life work of His Holiness.

“American presidents and the American people have been inspired by His Holiness, who describes himself as a 'simple monk, no more, no less.' To Tibetan Buddhists, he is the earthly manifestation of the living Buddha. To them and the international community, he is the leader of the Tibetan people. To millions of believers and admirers, he is a source of wisdom and compassion. To young people, His Holiness is a positive example of how to make the world a better place.

“The Tibetan culture, religion, environment, and people are a source of inspiration to people the world over. So too is His Holiness the Dalai Lama a source inspiration for all people.

“It is an honor to be in His Holiness's presence today. Please join me in welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama.â€

Issues:Human Rights