Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Lodi Gyari

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement on the passing of Lodi Gyari, former Special Envoy for the Dalai Lama and Executive Chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet:

“Lodi Gyari was a religious leader and a diplomat, an administrator and an activist, but, most of all, he was a teacher.  Through diplomacy, he taught us to how to seek understanding and create peace.  Through advocacy, he taught us how to share the spirit of resiliency with our children.  Through faith, he taught us that all nations and all people are interconnected.

“The world has lost an extraordinary champion for the Tibetan people.  Driven into exile by the Chinese government, Lodi worked relentlessly to secure a better future for Tibet.  As Special Envoy and a key leader of the International Campaign for Tibet, Lodi saw the development of historic proposals for progress and built deep support for the Tibetan cause throughout America and around the world.  Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle benefitted from Lodi’s insight and wisdom.

“Lodi’s legacy is ours to continue through action and advocacy.  As friends of Tibet, we stand united with Tibetans in their journey to win the freedom to teach their culture and their religion to their children in their own language.  The situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world.  If we do not speak out for human rights in Tibet and China because of commercial interests, then we lose all moral authority to talk about human rights in any other place in the world.   May it bring comfort to Lodi’s loved ones that so many share in their sorrow and in their appreciation of the legacy he has left us.”