The eleventh Panchen Lama, Qoigyijabu, has visited an exhibition showcasing Tibet's fifty years of democratic reform, at the Nationalities Culture Palace in Beijing. The religious leader expressed his approval for the reforms and current policies on Tibet.

The 11th Panchen Lama Erdeni Gyaincain Norbu (front) looks at the exhibits during an exhibition titled "Democratic Reform in the Tibet Autonomous Region" in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2009. [Fan Rujun/Xinhua]

The Panchen Lama said the exhibition shows the miserable life of Tibetans during the period of serfdom. He said reforms have brought Tibetans freedom, human rights and democracy. The Panchen Lama also said he will make efforts to maintain peace and stability in the autonomous region.

The 11th Panchen Lama Erdeni Gyaincain Norbu (front) looks at the exhibits during an exhibition titled "Democratic Reform in the Tibet Autonomous Region" in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2009. [Fan Rujun/Xinhua]

(Xinhua News Agency, CCTV March 16, 2009)