After appearing on Sunrise this morning to sing two songs, kd lang spoke to Mel and Kochie about her Buddhist beliefs and the strife in Tibet.

---------

First, I have to say that Prime Minister Rudd is just amazing. We are totally blown away by his forth rightness to tackle the issue. To bring it to the fore. China is very, very strong.

To be able to express yourself that openly is amazing so congratulations to Mr Rudd.

I think as a basic human right they should have the freedom to practice their religion and practice and preserve their culture and I’m no expert on Tibet and Chinese [but I know] that is not happening.

-------------

Following the show, kd lang chose to formally release the following statement:

What we are seeing now is just the tip of the iceberg, I don't think my generation really even knows the extent of what has happened to the Tibetan people. It's like a bandaid that has been ripped off to reveal that the wound is still raw.

It's unfortunate that the Olympic Games are being impacted by this situation but it presents a rare opportunity to bring focus to the heartbreaking situation of the Tibetan and Chinese people who have suffered serious human rights abuses. The oppression should be stopped.

I'm not an expert on Tibetan and Chinese relations,  but I feel that the genuine popular aspirations of the Tibetan people - freedom to practice their religion and preserve their culture - should be protected and fulfilled. An open dialogue with his Holiness the Dalai Lama should be established without pre conditions.

International agencies and journalists should have access to Tibet. Agencies like the red cross and Doctors Without Borders should be allowed entry so they can provide proper medical assistance to those who have suffered serious injury.

Authorities have taken Tibetans from their monasteries and homes and have held them in locations without the knowledge of their families. These authorities should he held accountable.

Tibet was one of the few places on the planet which has maintained the sacredness of their culture, intact. Bringing the torch through Tibet under these conditions would be a desecration.

kd lang