Dharamshala: The President of Central Tibetan Administration on Friday welcomed a high-level international parliamentary delegation at an official ceremony at T-building, Gangchen Kyishong. 

The Members of Parliament representing four countries including Germany, Canada, Taiwan and Slovakia are currently visiting Dharamshala to participate in the commemorative event of the 60th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day on 10 March.

The Parliamentary delegation are Mr. Michael Brand, Member of the German Bundestag, Mr. Garnett Genuis, member of Parliament from Alberta representing Conservative Party of Canada, Ms. Linda Duncan, member of parliament from Alberta representing New Democratic Party of Canada, Mrs. Lucia Duris Nicholsonova, Deputy Chairman of the Slovak National Council, Mr. Martin Poliacik, MP, member of the National Council of the Slovak Republic and “Progressive Slovakia” political party, Ms. Mei Nu Yu, MP, Democratic Progressive Party.

Speaking at the event, President Dr Lobsang Sangay said, “Sixty years ago, we lost our country; sixty years ago, we lost our home. Having said that, after sixty years of occupation and repression of Tibetans, we are still standing today with the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and supporters like you.”

“It’s not just sixty years of tragedy but sixty years of resilience and survival,” President said as he spoke about the vibrant democratic functioning of the Tibetan administration, envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and participated by Tibetans all over the world.

President Sangay proudly described the institution of the Central Tibetan Administration as the engine of the Tibetan Freedom Movement and those serving the Central Tibetan Administration as drivers of the movement.

He said, “I know this not German made Mercedes Benz but nonetheless this is the Tibetan movement car which is rugged, resilient and which has been chugging along for sixty years because of all these people.”

On a serious note, the President acknowledged and thanked the parliamentary delegation for their participation in the event and the upcoming commemoration of Tibetan National day despite Chinese pressure to sever ties with the CTA.

“Hence we all feel very proud and honoured to have you here because we all are standing and still chugging along mainly because of supporters like you,” President said. “Whatever the consequences from the Chinese government or Embassies, they have come here to say ‘Tibetans, we are with you’. What we see infront of us are the brave, honourable and principled men and women. So your presence here and support means a lot.”

Mr Michael Brand, Member of the German Bundestag, in his address, said, “It is a great honour to be on your side. I would like to stress that both spiritual and nonspiritual representatives of Tibetan people have committed themselves to nonviolence which is very remarkable.”

Alluding to the remarks by Dr Sangay, he said, “As a government in exile and as Tibetans, you have a difficult road to venture and I am really sure you have a good car and a good driver.”

He said the German parliament has consistently pressed for the protection of the rights of the Tibetan people on international platforms. “As German parliament, we host Tibet discussion group which consists of all the groups in the parliament since 2010. The group meets to discuss Tibet issues.” Mr Brand is the Speaker of the CDU/CSU group for human rights policy and humanitarian assistance in the German parliament; Chairman of the Tibet-Discussion Circle in the German parliament.

Mr. Garnett Genuis, Member of Parliament from Alberta representing Conservative Party of Canada said: “The critical importance of what you’re pursuing, the way in which His Holiness the Dalai Lama and you are pursuing this vital issue, with love, optimism and goodwill for all, and a desire for justice being pursued nonviolently is drawing people into that cause and that is inspiring me and other people on this stage to want to be in solidarity with you.”

He further said, “It is more important now than ever that we stand and work together. Because we see the approach of  that the PRC which is to try and play different countries against each other, to try in buying people off. Some of that work happens through a division of the Communist party called the United Work Front.

“Well I say we need a United Front, advocating for justice and human rights and to push back against what their so-called United Front is doing. That unity is important and effective.”

Deputy Chairman of the Slovak National Council, Mrs. Lucia Duris Nicholsonova, said, “The reason why so many Slovakian people support Tibet is because 30 years ago, we fought our own fight against communism and it is a very successful story, the democracy won the fight over the totalitarian regime and it was done in a very peaceful way.”

“This year, the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan participated in the Tibetan National Uprising Day parade in Taiwan. I have come here today to express our support to Tibet” remarked Ms Mei Nu Yu, MP, Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan at the ceremony today.