DHARAMSALA: Former major general of the Indian army, Maj Gen (Retd) Vinod Saighal, underlined that "the Chinese government under a leadership with a caliber of statesmanship and maximum authority could facilitate an amicable resolution of the issue of Tibet."

Major General Saighal was addressing an exclusive gathering of officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, on a lecture titled 'Appraising China', organised by the  Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre at Gangchen Kyishong today.

He said his connection with the Tibetan people started in 1999, when received a private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

He said China under the leadership of Deng-Xiaoping saved the country from shame and destruction caused during Cultural Revolution, and ushered in a policy of reform and liberalization on to the path of remarkable progress.

"We hope, pray and look forward to a great Chinese leadership, who will acknowledge the unimaginable suffering and destructions inflicted on Tibetan people and every aspect of its rich heritage and bring a mutually acceptable solution to resolve the issue of Tibet," he added.

He said, "Even though China has all the cards and everything is in its favour, but he has full hope and believe, that one day, the issue of Tibet will be resolved," adding that "If I don't believe and hope, I should not be here today to give this talk."

While saying that every problem has a solution and by anticipation, we will be able to shape the future, he said: "Change will come in China and there is hope for peace in South East Asia and Tibet."

He said that the people of India will always extend moral support and stand in solidarity with the Tibetan cause.

After the talk, he also answered to questions from the audience.

Major General Saighal retired from the Indian Army in 1995. He has since written several articles on a vast range of subjects and is the author of the internationally acclaimed books, including 'Third Millennium Equipoise, Dealing with Global Terrorism:The Way Forward and Global Security Paradoxes: 2000-2020'.

Currently he is the Executive Director of Eco Monitors Society (EMS), a non-governmental organization concerned with demography and ecology. After retirement he founded the Movement for Restoration of Good Governance (MRGG). In 2000 he was invited to join the Institutional Advisory Board of USFSS (United States Federation of Scientists and Scholars).