His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives in the ancient city of RomeMonday, 9 February 2009, 9:34 a.m.
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Rome:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Rome, the capital of Italy on
Sunday evening at the invitation of the Mayor of Rome. This is His
Holiness’s first visit outside India in 2009.The Lufthansa
flight from Munich taxied at a special area in the Rome airport’s
security restricted area for special guest. His Holiness the Dalai Lama
was welcomed to Rome by Counselor Mario Vattani, the Diplomatic advisor
to the Rome Mayor and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Representative Mr.
Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa. Then the motorcade drove to the city centre
with full police escort. The City of Rome has organized the protocol
and the security arrangement for the visit.There were hundreds
of people eagerly waiting for His Holiness at the front of the hotel.
Well wishers and members’ of the Tibetan community including monks from
different Tibetan Buddhist Centers welcomed His Holiness. His Holiness
slowly walked through the crowd talking to people.Inside the
hotel lobby, the Rome Mayor’s office had selected few key TV and news
agencies to ask few questions to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His
Holiness explained his three Main Commitments in Life – the promotion
of human values, religious harmony and as a Tibetan and the Dalai Lama
his commitment to the Tibetan issue. His Holiness expressed his deep
concern about the present situation in Tibet. But he said that he
remained hopeful for a solution to the Tibetan issue.On Monday
morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama will meet with leading Italian TV,
newspapers and magazine. Over 30 members of the Tibet Group in the
Italian Parliament will call on His Holiness at the hotel.In
the afternoon, the ancient city of Rome will honour His Holiness the
Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual and political leader with its highest
honor – the Citizenship of Rome.In Photos:
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives at the Rome Airport, on Sunday, 8 February 2009 |
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| Representative Tseten S Chhoekyapa offering Khata to His Holiness the Dalai Lama |
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| Crowd in hundreds welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama upon his arrival at the hotel |
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama bless a young Tibetan |
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the press |
