His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Luxembourg
Dharamshala 13 June 2005: His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received on Friday at the Luxembourg airport by Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the Western Europe, Mr. Oliver Mores, president of the Les Amis Du Tibet (LADTL) and other members of the LADTL.
This was His Holiness’ first visit to Luxembourg and was made at the invitation of the LADTL, the only Tibet Support Group in the country.
His Holiness later gave a public talk to 6,200 people, the full capacity of the largest hall in the capital, d´Coque. According to the organisers, all the seats were booked one month in advance of His Holiness’ visit.
Speaking on Ethics in the New Millennium, His Holiness said that the foundation of world peace rests upon a family where affection and harmony reside. His Holiness also spoke at length on compassion, tolerance and inter-religious harmony.
Mr. Geroges Santer, the ambassador to the Holy See and the Foreign Secretary, was also present at the public talk.
During a question-answer session following his talk, His Holiness was asked about the positive elements in China. His Holiness remarked that China is an ancient country, its people are industrious when opportunities are presented to them.
When asked about His Holiness’ role on the question of Tibet, His Holiness reiterated that since the election of Kalon Tripa three years ago, he has been in a state of semi-retirement.
His Holiness also said that he was not concerned about the inability of the leaders of Luxembourg to receive him officially, adding that he did not want to be a cause of inconvenience to anyone.
His Holiness on Saturday gave an audience to the board members of LADTL and the two Tibetan refugees in Luxembourg, Thinley Rinpoche and Jigme Namgyal, before departing to Sweden.