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Congressman Tom Lantos - Human Rights Champion passes away
Dharamshala, 13 February, TibetNet: US Congressman Tom Lantos - the champion of human rights, a staunch supporter of Tibet and a widely-respected foreign policy expert in Washington - passed away on the morning of 11 February, due to complications from cancer at Bethesda Naval Medical Center. He was 80 years old. Kalon Kesang Y Takla, Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations, in her condolence message, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Congressman Tom Lantos, who was not only a steadfast supporter of the Tibetan people, but has committed his whole life, to espouse human rights and freedom." Recounting her first meeting with Congressman Lantos and his wife Annette, in 1988, in Washington, DC, Kalon said: "I am greatly honoured and impressed by his compassion and active support for the just cause of Tibet." "I deeply respect him and he will always be in our memory as a sincere friend of Tibet and justice," the Kalon added. Congressman Lantos was elected to Congress in 1980 and was serving his 14th consecutive term when he passed away. During his political career, which he pursued after a long and successful career in academia, he was known as an impassioned supporter of a broad range of social issues, most of which he was drawn to through his strong commitment to human rights. His championing of human rights throughout the world was a prominent feature of his tenure on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which he served as the senior Democratic member since 2001, and as its Chairman since 2007. He also founded and co-chaired the Congressional Human Rights Caucus in 1983. Congressman Lantos' dedication to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people culminated in October 2007, when on the basis of legislation, he sponsored with Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in the House, President George W. Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda - the first time a sitting US President agreed to appear publicly with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In his address to the Rotunda at the presentation ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal, Congressman Lantos urged the Chinese leadership to enter into negotiations on the future status of Tibet. Annette said that her husband's life was "defined by courage, optimism, and unwavering dedication to his principles and to his family." He is survived by his wife and two daughters. |
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Last updated: 14-Feb-2008