Tibetans and supporters at the flame of truth torch relay in front of European Commission in Brussels/Photo/Belgium

DHARAMSHALA: A member of the Chinese community was among MEPs, mayors and Belgian parliamentarians who expressed strong solidarity with the Tibetan struggle by taking part in the four-day flame of truth torch relay in Belgium.

The final day of the relay was held yesterday in front of the European commission in Brussels, where EU China Summit was taking place. Ven Thupten Wangchen, member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Representative Mr Ngodup Dorjee, Mr Vincent Metten, executive director, ICT Brussels, and Mr Zhang Sili, a Chinese member of Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Association, Belgium, were amongst the prominent speakers at the rally. A large number of local Tibetans and members of Tibet support groups took part in the rally which culminated at Place Luxembourg in front of the European Parliament.

Ven Thupten Wangchen expressed his satisfaction at the successful Flame of truth campaign in Belgium and thanked the Office of Tibet, Brussels, members of Tibet support groups and the Tibetans living in Belgium for their support and participation.

Mr Vincent Metten said that the procession has a special significance as the EU China Summit coincidently is also taking place on the same day. He expressed his support for the flame of truth campaign and wished the campaign every success during its European tour.

Mr Zhang Sili expressed his solidarity with the Tibetan people and its struggle against the Chinese government’s repressive rule. He expressed his anger and shock at how the repressive policies of the Chinese government are driving young Tibetans to sacrifice their lives inside Tibet by setting themselves on fire.

Representative Mr Ngodup Dorjee urged the world community and governments to press the Chinese government to end its repression in Tibet and find a lasting solution to the grievances of the Tibetan people.

The flame of truth torch relay today left Brussels for Luxembourg to continue its journey across the rest of the European countries.