The 46th Anniversay of Tibetan National Uprising was observed in Paris at Human Rights Square, Place du Trocadero, yesterday afternoon. It was jointly organised as usual by the Tibetan Community in France and the Bureau Du Tibet.
About 150 people, mostly Tibetans, were present despite the nation-wide strikes of air, train, bus and underground metro. The road traffic was clogged and utterly disrupted in Paris.
Elsewhere in France, as per the information available now the Anniversary has been observed in towns of Toulouse, Puget Theniers, Saint Laurent du Var, Amiens, Cannet, Menton, Dijon, Nice, Lyon, Montpellier. In Strasbourg it is going to be held tomorrow.
It may be mentioned that over 350 mayors of France have hoisted the Tibetan National Flag in the town halls yesterday. Out which 188 of them hoist the flag permanently as a mark of solidarity with the Tibetan people.
In Paris, Mr Thupten Gyatso, President of the Tibetan Community, gave a introductory speech. Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama officially read part of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Statement in Tibetan followed by Mr Wangpo Bashi reading the French translation in full. Though invited dignitaries could not attend the commemoration due to national strike their written messages were read out at the gathering. Messages had come from Mr. Lionnel Luca, President of Tibet Group in National Assembly, Mrs Danielle Mitterrand, former First Lady and President of Foundation France Libertes, Mr Louis de Broissia, President of the Tibet Group at the French Senate, Mr Michel Tubiana, President of League of Human Rights and the President of Reporters Without Borders.
After the formal ceremony a protest march was held around the vicinity of Trocadero. 2 minutes of silence was observed in memory of 1.2 million Tibetans who lost their lives for their country and it was followed by singing of the prayer – The Words of the Truth. Then the march returned back to the Place du Trocadero. Mr. Patrick Bloch, MP and Municipal Councilor of Paris, and Mr. Baguet Claude, another MP, addressed the gathering at the conclusion. Expressing their sympathy and solidarity to the Tibetan people they informed that they would soon visit Dharamsala in a parliamentary delegation.
Excerpts from the Messages:
Mr. Lionnel LUCA, MP:
It is because of our heritage of Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Citizens that we French parliamentarians are with the Tibetan people who are subjected to dictatorship. Because the Tibetan people’s cause is just, because it is a non violent cause, because His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Nobel peace laureate, symbolises the moral conscience of humanity, we know that freedom will dawn sooner or later. Long live the Tibetan people, long live Franco-Tibetan friendship.
Mr. Louis de BROISSIA, Senator:
As we approach the Olympic Games 2008, China’s image is tarnished by its heavy handed occupation of Tibet. It is urgent to reach for dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama so that Tibetans can lead a free life, and are no more condemned because of their aspiration for autonomy and of their non violent resistance which is highly commendable in the wake of international terrorism.
Mr. Michel TUBIANA, President of League of Human Rights, France:
Your cause is ours since it is a cause of liberty. Within the framework of our campaign, LDH considers and includes the Tibetan struggle for freedom high on its agenda. We have decided to launch a special campaign in the light of Olympic Games in 2008 and the fight against torture to which Tibetans are subjected to, and also the death penalty, will feature in this campaign.
Mrs. Danielle MITTERRAND, President of Foundation France Libertes:
Out of station, I regret for not being with you this day. I support all those who denounce any state which denies right to self determination, and engages in domination through occupation, population transfer, violence and denial of identity. I hope that your country will regain its freedom at the earliest so that the Tibetan people are no more subjected to an oppression which is still there despite strong international pressure.
