His Holiness Meets President of South Tyrol
Bozen, 1 August 2005– His Holiness met with President Luis Durnwalder at his office yesterday morning during which the president brought to His Holiness’ attention the humanitarian projects that South Tyrol is supporting in Tibet and in exile. His Holiness appreciated the generosity of his Government, especially for the projects in Tibet, and their continued support to the Tibetan cause. President Durnwalder indicated his willingness to help in whatever way he can to the Tibetan cause.
Mr. Durnwalder accompanied His Holiness to the Conference on Ethics and the Challenges of the Global Economy at the European Academy of Bolzano, South Tyrol. Among the other participants were Senator Giuliano Amato, former Italian Prime Minister, Lord M. Desai, Professor, London School of Economics and member of Britain’s House of Lords, and Dr. Wieck, former German Ambassador to New Delhi, Moscow and Tehran.
The speeches were well received. His Holiness emphasised the need for Universal Responsibility, and described ethics as a principle to bring forth greater satisfaction to the larger community without causing harm or disturbance.
In other words, he said that ethics is to help and not to harm others. The speeches were followed by an engaged discussion among the panellists.
In the afternoon, His Holiness visited Trento, the other Provincial capital, accompanied by Mr. Durnwalder. He was received by Mr. Lorenzo Dellai, President of the Autonomous Province of Trento and members of the local Government.
His Holiness addressed the members of the Regional council in the Assembly Hall. His Holiness thanked the President of the Regional Council for inviting him to address the Assembly session. His Holiness remarked that while Trentino/South Tyrol is enjoying the benefits of autonomy, Tibetans are still striving for it.
His Holiness also thanked Mr. Magnani, President of the Regional Council for the solidarity that his Council members have shown for the Tibetan people including assistance being provided for Tibetan children’s education and related projects.
President Magnani handed His Holiness a copy of the motion on Tibet passed by the Regional Council on 5th July 2005.
The resolution, among others, urges the Office of the Presidency and the Regional Government of South Tyrol to strengthen the bonds of friendship with the Tibetans and their representatives; to support initiatives and bonds of cooperation and humanitarian aid to the Tibetans in Tibet and in exile.
Later in the evening His Holiness gave a public talk at the regional Auditorium at which the Presidents of the two Autonomous Provinces in South Tyrol, the President of the Regional Council and the Mayor of Trento, were present.
His Holiness, as usual, outlined his three commitments and then followed up the
talk on Compassion and the merits of being a warm-hearted person.
His Holiness leaves today morning on a twelve-day visit to Switzerland.