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U.S. Names Tibetan Issues Envoy as Rubio Extends Losar Greetings

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended New Year greetings to Tibetans worldwide on the occasion of Losar. He reaffirmed Washington's commitment to supporting Tibetan linguistic, cultural, and religious rights. Rubio simultaneously announced the designation of Assistant Secretary Riley M. Barnes as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. The appointment underscores the ongoing sensitivity of Tibet in U.S.-China relations and is watched closely by communities in exile.

Key Points: U.S. Designates Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues

  • Rubio extends Losar greetings
  • U.S. reaffirms support for Tibetan rights
  • Riley M. Barnes named Special Coordinator
  • Role focuses on cultural preservation
  • Tibet remains sensitive in U.S.-China relations
2 min read

Rubio extends Losar wishes, names envoy​

Secretary of State Marco Rubio extends Losar wishes and appoints a senior official as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.

"I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year - Marco Rubio"

Washington, Feb 17

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday extended greetings to Tibetans worldwide on the occasion of Losar and announced the designation of a senior official as the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.​

"I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year," Rubio said in a press statement marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse.​

"On this first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, we celebrate the fortitude and resilience of Tibetans around the world," he said.​

Rubio reaffirmed Washington's position on Tibetan rights and identity.​

"The United States remains committed to supporting the unalienable rights of Tibetans and their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage," he said.​

He added, "I wish Tibetans everywhere a healthy and prosperous year ahead. Losar Tashi Delek and Happy New Year!"​

On the same occasion, Rubio announced a key appointment.​

"On this auspicious occasion, I am also pleased to announce that I have designated Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Riley M. Barnes to serve as the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues," he said.​

Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated by Tibetans in Tibet and across the global diaspora. The festival marks the beginning of a new year in the Tibetan lunar calendar and is observed with prayers, cultural rituals, and community gatherings.​

The designation of a Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues is a longstanding U.S. mechanism aimed at addressing concerns related to Tibetan rights, cultural preservation, and dialogue. The role is typically assigned to a senior State Department official.​

Tibet remains a sensitive subject in U.S.-China relations. Washington has repeatedly voiced support for the protection of Tibetan religious and cultural identity, while Beijing maintains that Tibet is an internal matter. The issue has figured in past diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.

​India hosts the Dalai Lama and a significant Tibetan exile community, making developments related to Tibetan policy closely watched in New Delhi. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in Dharamshala in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, and Losar is widely celebrated there each year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Losar Tashi Delek to all celebrating! 🎉 It's a beautiful festival, and I'm glad the cultural aspect is being recognized. However, the appointment of a special coordinator feels more like a symbolic gesture than a step towards meaningful dialogue. Hope it leads to positive outcomes for the Tibetan community.
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Rohit P
India has always provided shelter to the Tibetan community with great compassion. We celebrate Losar here with our Tibetan brothers and sisters. But our government must be very careful. We cannot afford to get caught in the middle of US-China tensions. Our foreign policy needs to be "vasudhaiva kutumbakam" but also fiercely pragmatic.
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Priya S
The resilience of Tibetan culture is truly inspiring. Having visited Dharamshala, the celebrations are vibrant and full of faith. While the US statement is welcome, real support should come from ensuring the community in India has the opportunities to thrive and preserve their heritage without being used as a political pawn.
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Michael C
As an observer, this seems like standard diplomatic posturing. The "Special Coordinator" role has existed for years. The real question is whether this announcement coincides with any shift in actual policy or funding, or if it's just a ceremonial wish for the new year.
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Kavya N
Wishing everyone a very Happy Losar! May the Year of the Fire Horse bring peace and prosperity. 🙏 On the political side, India has handled the Tibetan issue with remarkable balance for decades. We must continue on that path, focusing on humanitarian and cultural support while safeguarding our own national interests.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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