Former Botswana president Ian Khama has defied a directive by the government for its citizens to respect Beijing’s One-China Policy and came out in support of Tibet on Tuesday.
Khama has issued a statement conveying his regards to the 7th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet taking place in Riga, Latvia from 7-10 May.
“Just as the progressive world united to end apartheid in South Africa, the former President appeals for united efforts to support the objectives of the Central Tibet Administration and the Tibet people they represent,” a statement issued by Khama’s office said on Tuesday.
The latest statement is likely to stoke diplomatic tensions between Gaborone and Beijing after the Asian giant early this year appealed to Botswana to ask its citizens to respect the One-China Policy.
This was after Khama travelled to India to celebrate The Dalai Lama’s 60 years anniversary celebrations despite’s objection from both the Botswana and Chinese governments.
China considers Tibet as part of its territory and accuses the Dalai Lama of being a separatist.
Botswana has since called on its citizens to respect the way it relates with other countries, adding that it subscribes to One-China Policy and expects its citizens to tow the line as well.
KO/jn/APA