MOSCOW: Tibet Solidarity Day was observed in several cities of Russian Federation on 10 December on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the conferment of Noble Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 64th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 
In Moscow, Tibetans, friends and supporters of Tibet, and Buddhists gathered at White Cloud Culture Center in the city center in support of and solidarity with Tibetans suffering in occupied-Tibet and also to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the conferment of Noble Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989. Mrs Nadya Berkengeym, Vice-President of Moscow-based Tibet House, welcomed the guests and participants of the event. Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Russia and CIS, Nawang Rabgyal, spoke on the current situation in Tibet, including the self-immolation of 95 Tibetans since 2009. One minute silence was observed in homage to the self-immolators and 95 candles lights were offered in honour of them. Representative Nawang Rabgyal also spoke on the farsighted mission, view and noble activities of His Holiness. Ms Irindjan Andriyanova, Kalmyk professional singer, sang songs in praise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and love for mother. After the concert, the video THE BURNING QUESTION: WHY ARE TIBETAN TURNING TO SELF-IMMOLATION ?, which was dubbed in Russian, was screened and it was followed by questions and answers. Several friends spoke in support of and solidarity with Tibetan people.
 
In St. Petersburg, the second largest city and capital of Russian Tsar before 1917, the conferment of Noble Peace Prize to His Holiness was celebrated at Buddhist Temple, which was built in 1913. And Tibet Solidarity Day was also observed there. The event was organized by Geshe Jampa Thinley,spiritual teacher, who has been teaching at several Dharma Centers in Russia. He spoke on the present human right situation in Tibet and the importance of supporting Tibet issue, which is related to the preservation of the Buddha Dharma. (For detail, please visit www.geshe.ru)
 
In the capital of Tuva Republic, friends and supporters of Tibet gathered in the city centre of Kyzyl and held rally in solidarity with Tibetan people as well as to create Tibet awareness. About 18 participants were arrested by police and released at night. The event was covered by Russian Information Agency (RIA), the biggest news agency in Russia and CIS. (For details, please visit www.savetibet.ru)