By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Sept 16: Currently on visit to Europe, the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday (Sept 15) visited the European Parliament and addressed the committee on Foreign Affairs in Strasbourg, the seat of the European Union.
Speaking to the committee members, the Buddhist leader expressed his admiration for the “spirit of European Union”, saying he would like to see such unions in Africa and Asia, also making a clear stand on Tibet’s stand with China. “We are not seeking separation from the People’s Republic of China; we are not ‘splittists’ although that’s what Chinese hard-liners continue to accuse us of being. Since 2011 I have completely retired from political responsibility, which is handled now by an elected leader,” the Dalai Lama said.
The Foreign Affairs committee which constitutes two subcommittees: the Sub-committee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Sub-committee on Security and Defense (SEDE) in their official site acknowledged the visit. It mentioned, “AFET Chair Elmar Brok commended the Dalai Lama for his important and positive role in promoting peace and values at a time when there are so many conflicts and violence in the world. Mr Brok continued that values should have a key role in politics too.” The Tibetan leader had a meeting with President of the European Parliament, Martin Schultz earlier.
The same day, the Nobel laureate also visited the Council of Europe, an international organization that promotes human rights, democracy and rule of law in Europe. At the meeting with members of the Commission on Human Rights, the Dalai Lama expressed his support for a youth campaign to counter terrorism – #no hate no fear. He told the attendees, “The current education system with its material goals and an absence of inner values is inadequate. And unless we can change it the 21st century is destined to repeat the mistakes of the 20th century with its violence and misery.” Anne Brasseur, Ambassador for the -no hate no fear movement offered him the movement’s badge.
The hectic day for the octogenarian leader, he also gave a public talk at the Strasbourg Convention where he was presented with the Marcel Rudloff Tolerance Prize. The congregation included 900 students and 1100 members of the public. “Young brothers and sisters I’m happy to be with you. Meeting with younger people like you makes me feel younger,” the Tibetan leader jested.
“I belong to the 20th century, a time which has gone, which is now only a memory. The past can’t be changed, but the future can still be shaped and it will be done by you, who belong to the generation of the 21st century. This is why you are the basis for hope,” the Dalai Lama added.
