BRUSSELS, 10 MARCH: Mr. Thomas Mann, a prominent German member of the European Parliament and chair of the Tibet Interest Group, a cross-party group of European Parliamentarians today issued a statement to mark the 58th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising of 1959 in which thousands of Tibetan men, women and children were killed by the Chinese military.
“The Tibet Interest Group actively supports Tibetans in China and around the world. We cooperate with other parliamentarians inside and outside the European Union to support the Middle way approach of His Holiness.’’
“More recently, we adopted – with a great majority – a resolution on the unlawful demolition of the Larung Gar institute in Tibet. It is seen as one of the largest Buddhist academies worldwide and its demolition poses a threat to Tibetan culture”, he said.
“Tibet needs support from the Europeans. It has to be public and must be visible! Silent solidarity is not helpful. Some governments are afraid to injure their export benefits and businesses with China. But selling human rights for economics is not part of our European set of values”, he said.
Over 300 Tibetans and European friends gathered in Merode a walking distance to the European Commission and Council to commemorate 10th March. The Tibetan Community in Belgium, Regional Tibetan Youth Association, Tibetan Women Association, Chushi Gangdruk organized the commemoration.
After singing the Tibetan National Anthem, a minute of silence was observed to pay tribute to our Tibetan brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives for the just cause of Tibet. This was followed by speeches from the organizers.
Mr Thutop Namgyal, Secretary of the Office of Tibet, Brussels, read out Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay’s statement, Mr. Johannes Ulke read Mr. Mann’s statement and Ms. Melanie Blondelle read out ICT’s message to the gathering.
From Merode the crowd marched towards the Chinese Embassy shouting slogans.
– Report filed by office of Tibet, Belgium –
