Tibetan officials urge people to learn more about Tibet´s past

Source: Xinhua | 03-09-2009 08:04

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A senior Tibetan official on Sunday urged more people to learn about Tibet's past and the changes the region has gone through over the last five decades.

Qiangba Puncog, chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region government, made the remarks after visiting here an exhibition themed on Tibet's democratic reform.

"I wish young students and foreigners could learn more of Tibet's history and the great changes that have taken place in the region over the past 50 years.

"I wish they could understand Tibetan people's aspiration for prosperity and stability," he said.

Qiangba Puncog said China's central government has given much support for the development of Tibet.

"After 50 years of development, Tibet has managed to lay solid foundations in every aspect," he said.

Legqog, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Autonomous Region People's Congress, also said the well-being of Tibetans have seen undeniable improvement over the past five decades.

Legqog said before the democratic reform in Tibet, only 2 percent of children of eligible ages could go to school, and 95 percent of the people were unable to read.