U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein said on July 10, 2002, that the Tibetan cause is a just one and stressed the importance of the continuation and perpetuation of Tibetan culture. She said that she has worked to safeguard the Tibetan culture since 1978 when she first came in contact with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.
Addressing a reception hosted by Special Envoy of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Kasur Lodi Gyari, in honor of visiting Chairman of the Tibetan Cabinet, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, in Washington, D.C., Senator Feinstein said it will not be possible to find a resolution to the Tibetan problem without the Dalai Lama getting his rightful place.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche is the Kalon Tripa or Chairman of the Tibetan Cabinet. In his remarks, he described two objectives of his current North American trip: first, to meet the Tibetan community in this part of the world, a population that has seen a steady increase in recent years, and to get their feedback on the policies and programs of his new government; and secondly, to meet friends and supporters of Tibet.
He said that actions by the United States government, particularly legislation by the U.S. Congress were among the greatest sources of encouragement to the Tibetan people. He urged for the continued solidarity and support of the international community.
Indian Ambassador, Lalit Mansingh, and Mongolian Ambassador Jalbuu Choinhor, as well as diplomats from European countries and Taiwanese and American officials including Senator Feinstein, Congressman Gilman, Undersecretary Paula Dobriansky, the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, attended the reception.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Lodi Gyari welcomed the Indian and Mongolian ambassadors saying that Tibetans at the reception were graced with the presence of “our teacher and our protector.” Tibetans often refer to India as their teacher, because it is the historical source of Buddhism, and regard Mongolia as a historical protector of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.