Brussels, June 26 – The EU Coordination Office organised the 1st Political Discussion Forum on the “Importance of Democratic System – Rights and Duties” for the Tibetans of Belgium.
The Forum was opened with a welcome speech by Ms. Tenzin Wangmo Dunchu, Coordinator of EU Coordination Office, who explained to the participants the reason for organising this forum, which is the strong interest that some Tibetans show for the Tibetan issues and politics.
Mr. Carlo Luyckx, Deputy Mayor of St. Gilles Commune in Brussels, Director of Europe-Brussels Liaison Office and guest speaker at the forum, briefed the participants on Democracy, starting from the Greek history up to the Belgian system of Democracy. This was followed by a question-and-answer session and a lively discussion. The participants appreciated how privileged they are to enjoy the well structured and organised form of the Central Tibetan Administration and promised to contribute their most.
The discussion mainly touched two local topics:
First, how to raise among Tibetans more awareness on the importance of Democratic system;
Second, how to improve the election system and how important it is to have a candidate system for the forthcoming election of the Tibetan Community board on July 8.
The Political Discussion Forum will be held on a two-month regular basis and the second forum titled “Middle-Way Approach” will be on August 26, 2006.
Report submitted by Bureau du Tibet, Brussels.
