Official: Tibet's prosperity impossible without democratic reform
www.chinaview.cn 2009-06-29
(Note: Xinhua is the official news agency of the government of the People's
Republic of China)

WELLINGTON, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The prosperity of today's Tibet cannot be
achieved without the launching of democratic reform there 50 years ago, said
a Tibetan official on Monday.

Nyima Tsering, deputy director of the Standing Committee of Tibet Autonomous
Region People's Congress, made the remarks in New Zealand's largest city of
Auckland when meeting with Auckland Regional Council Chairman Michael Lee.

Nyima Tsering said this years marks the 50th anniversary of the democratic
reform in Tibet. In the past 50 years, great changes have taken place in
Tibet.

The old Tibet, which was a society of feudal serfdom under theocracy, has
been reshaped with success. Tibetans are now longing for social stability,
richness and a well-off life, he said.

Nyima Tsering added he, a native Tibetan, along with three other Tibetan
delegates, were witnesses, participants and beneficiaries of the successful
democratic reform.

He hoped their visit to New Zealand will help New Zealanders have an
objective and better understanding of Tibet.

The Tibetan delegation, arrived in Wellington on June 26, left New Zealand
on Monday.