Dharamshala, India: - Continuing his seven-nation tour of Europe, Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Tripa (political leader) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), arrived in Paris on Saturday for a one-day visit, to meet officials and politicians and encourage them to address the current crisis in Tibet.Received with special protocol, Dr Sangay was welcomed into the city at Charles de Gaulle airport by the Secretary of the Bureau du Tibet, the president and vice-president of the Tibetan Community in Paris and the secretary of Maison du Tibet (Tibet House), according to the official media of the Central Tibetan Administration.
During a tightly packed schedule, Dr Sangay met with members of the Senate and National Assembly, and also interacted with members of the Tibetan community and their French supporters.
Mr Jean F Humbert, president of Friends of Tibet, hosted the Kalon Tripa at the French senate for an hour-long discussion on the situation inside Tibet, and on strategies to strengthen support for the Tibetan cause.
Mr Humbert then spoke about the re-election of Senate members and plans to reform the Tibet Friendship Group.
In an address to 350-odd members of the Tibetan community in France, Dr Sangay mentioned his administration’s prioritization of education and professionalism.
Commending the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) for working with utmost determination, and with very few resources, the Kalon Tripa urged the community to contribute to their cause in every way possible.
Dr Sangay then visited the 11th District of Paris, where he addressed the French media, French Tibet support groups, 100 Tibet supporters from 25 countries, and several French scholars.
Dr Sangay expressed his gratitude to everyone present for the long-standing support and sympathy they have extended to Tibetans and urged them to continue with this until Tibet regains its freedom.
Also present was Mr Parick Bloche, mayor of District 11, who is also a deputy in the National Assembly and vice-president of the Tibet Group.
Citing the French Revolution, and its establishment of the principles of liberty, justice and truth, the Kalon Tripa said that, at this critical juncture, it is time for the people and government of France to live up to their principles by taking a stand for Tibet.
Explaining the recent Tibetan leadership change, following the devolution of political powers by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to a democratically elected leader, he reaffirmed the continuity and legitimacy of the political leadership established by the fifth Dalai Lama in 1642 AD.
Speaking of the growing repression inside Tibet, Dr Sangay asked the French parliament and government to issue statements expressing their concern.
He reiterated the CTA’s resolve not to encourage protests and self-immolations, because of the violent responses from the Chinese authorities these provoke, but also pointed out that the fundamental causes of these desperate acts are the PRC’s increasing crackdown in Tibet and violations of human rights there.
Finally, in Paris, Dr Sangay met analysts from the Directorate of Strategic Affairs to discuss recent developments within and outside Tibet.
"Thank you for having me participate in this very important visit for this great man,” said Stephanie, a volunteer. “We will do everything we can to see that the media speak about him and his actions,”
Dr Sangay will be the keynote speaker at the Tibet Intergroup Conference 2011 on Genuine Autonomy, to be held on November 29 at the European Parliament in Belgium. He will then leave for the UK, on the last leg of his Europe tour.
