The Dalai Lama has sent a personal message of congratulations to Kevin Rudd on the historic apology made to Australia’s indigenous people.

Read the full text of the message to Kevin Rudd

The Dalai Lama and the leaders of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile have also sent their best wishes and prayers to East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta.

Message from the Dalai Lama to Kevin Rudd (13 Feb 2008)

Mr Kevin Rudd, MP Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Dear Mr Kevin Rudd,

I was very encouraged to hear on the news about the apology you made in parliament to all Aborigines for laws and policies that “inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss” upon them. Overall, this was a timely, appropriate and civilised thing to do.

Although, of course, this is not a matter in which I have any direct concern, because you and I know each other, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this kind gesture.

With my prayers and good wishes,

[Signed by the Dalai Lama]

Prayers And Best Wishes to Jose Ramos-Horta
In a fax dated 11 February 2008, the Dalai Lama expressed his hope for a full and swift recovery for Dr Ramos-Horta, a fellow Nobel Peace Laureate.

The leader of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, also expressed deep shock on hearing of the assassination attempt on a man who “gave everything in life to regain the independence of East Timor and led it’s people to live in peace, dignity and with honour.”

Prof Samdhong Rinpoche added that they would pray for Dr Ramos-Horta’s speedy recovery and that he be given “enough strength and courage to continue to lead [the East Timorese] people to the path of non-violence and peaceful coexistence for many years to come.”