May 27, 2004

Tibet: French Parliamentary Group dedicates 2005 to Tibet


The French Parliamentary Group for Tibet in French Lower House of Parliament, declared the year 2005 a Year of Tibet
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Paris, May - Tibet Group, the French Parliamentary Group for Tibet in French Lower House of Parliament, declared the year 2005 a ‘Year of Tibet’. It would organise various activities to promote awareness and gather support for Tibet during the year 2005, said Mr. Lionel Luca, the President of the group and a member in the Lower House of French parliament. It would call upon the various TSGs, parliamentarians, mayors, and regional authorities to take part in its activities to dedicate the year to Tibet. He was speaking after Kalon Tripa addressed the press on the issue of Tibet. 8 members of parliament from the Tibet Group also attended the meet held in the National Assembly.

Earlier, Mr. Lionel Luca and former Tibet Group President Mr. Richard Cazneve hosted a luncheon reception in the Assembly in honour of the visiting Kalon Tripa of the Central Tibetan Administration. Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, accompanied Rinpoche.

Later in the day, Rinpoche was invited for a public talk at the Salle Victor Hugo in the Parliament. Speaking to over 200 people, Kalon Tripa said that the problem between China and Tibet is not of ideology, race or power but of truth and untruth, justice and injustice. Rinpoche also pointed out that the problem of last 50 years between the two parties would not overshadow the friendly relations both peoples enjoyed over a 1000 years ago. He believed the Tibetan struggle based on truth, non-violence and democracy will triumph.

Rinpoche spent most of his day talking to media and touring the French Parliament. Kalon Tripa will travel to London later today.

Source: Phayul