EP delegation extends support to Middle Way/ENG

2018. május 10./Phayul.com/TibetPress

eredeti cikk

DHARAMSHALA, MAY 9: A delegation of European Parliament members currently on a visit to the exile Tibetan headquarters have extended their support to the official policy of the Central Tibetan administration, the Middle Way Policy.

“We follow the Middle way Approach of His Holiness and we are against the so-called re-education policy in China. We protest the Chinese government’s suppression of minority languages and support the use of your language, culture and other opportunities to survive,” said MEP Thomas Mann, a long time Tibet supporter who leads the delegation comprising of MEP Csaba Sogor, MEP Ramon Tremosa and Representative Tashi Phuntsok from the Office of Tibet.

Addressing a press conference earlier today, Mann recalled the delegation’s audience with the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, “Yesterday we had the opportunity to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on a very special day, as the 9th of May is Europe Day. During the meeting, His Holiness expressed admiration at the European way of life that espouses freedom, justice, human rights, and Europe’s expression of solidarity with the sufferings of the so called third world countries.”

MEP Csaba Sogor said Tibetans must stay prepared for eventualities and opportunities, citing the example of the Soviet Union. “After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, we were not prepared for the post ’89 scenario. As a result, I can tell you that it’s important to have short-term goals in life but it’s even more important to have long-term goals.

“Europe itself is in a difficult period. While some countries are leaving, some are complaining within the EU. At such a time, there are people asking us why are we not in Europe at this time? And I told them; sometimes the best way to express solidarity and compassion is by meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and receive his wisdom. We appreciate His Holiness’ struggle for the freedom of the Tibetans, and I hope that the politicians as well as simple citizens of EU member states would listen to him,” said Sogor.

MEP Ramon Tremosa said, “As MEP Thomas Mann said Europe is a beacon of democracy, peace, and human rights. It does have a violent history but after 1945, Europe has become an example to others of economic cooperation and integration. The European Union is not perfect. It has problems with minorities among others. But we enjoy a level of freedom that is not available in other countries.”

The delegation called on His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday at the latter’s residence. It also visited the Tibetan Children’s Village School and other Tibetan institutes around here. The EP legislators also met with the President of CTA Lobsang Sangay and the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok.