Dalai Lama condoles demise of Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui during their meeting in Taipei, Taiwan on 27 March 1997. Image: dalailama.com

DHARAMSALA, 31 July: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Mrs Tseng Wen-hui and members of her family to express his condolences on the demise of former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui.

“His contribution to Taiwan’s democratic development was an exceptional achievement. Today, Taiwan is a vibrant and prosperous democracy with a rich cultural heritage. Perhaps the best tribute we can pay him is to remember his courage and determination and emulate his dedication to democracy,” the Dalai Lama has said in the missive. 

Lee was the first president of Taiwan to host the Dalai Lama in Taiwan and the Tibetan spiritual leader has stated that he regards the former as a personal friend. The duo met again later in Taiwan and at Peace Forums elsewhere. 

the Tibetan Nobel Laureate concluded by declaring that “President Lee Teng-hui was an ally of the Tibetan people” and that he did what he could to support Tibetans.

Lee Teng-hui, Taiwan’s first democratically elected president was considered the “Father of Taiwan’s democracy.” He served as Taiwan’s president from 1988 to 2000 and led Taiwan on the path of democracy.

The former president passed away on Thursday due to septic shock and multiple organ failure at Taipei Veterans General Hospital where he was being treated since 8 Feb earlier this year.

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