Brussels, 27 March: International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), Brussels, started its three-day Tibet Lobby briefing and campaign today morning.

In its morning schedule Representative Tashi Phuntsok, Bureau du Tibet, made a detailed Power Point presentation on the Foreign Policy of CTA and Responsibilities of the Offices of Tibet. He laid out the primary objectives of CTA and on the basis of which the 10-point responsibilities were explained. He also brought out the chronological establishment of Offices of Tibet and the reasons why each office was established at the time.

It’s clear that the Offices in Delhi and Kathmandu were established in 1960 to liaise with each government to facilitate the welfare, education and rehabilitation of the early Tibetan refugees. The second phase of New York and Geneva in 1964 was perceptibly to garner support in the United Nations (UN). The third phase was with the countries with which Tibet had past relationship. For example, Japan and the UK. The later offices were established after the momentous protests in Tibet in the late 80’s and growing freedom in east European countries.

He brought to the attention of the participants the crucial role of the Offices of Tibet to campaign for, to keep alive and to garner support for the issue of Tibet. The five participants came from Italy, Germany, Austria and Poland. At a brief interaction session, the participants highlighted the importance of effectiveness of Tibetan communities abroad and the need for special activities with the Tibetan youth in the higher education institutes.

Tomorrow the Office of Tibet will facilitate the meeting of the participants with a select group of Parliamentary Assistants. It may be mentioned that 10 members of the group will be visiting India in May.

– Report filed by OOT Brussels –