Paris: Representative Tashi Phuntsok and Secretary Namgyal Samdup attended the inauguration ceremony of ‘A Look at Tibet’ event. Various forms of Tibetan culture and tradition were being exhibited from 17 and 18 May.
The event, which is the 10th, is organized by Association Tibet-Normandy at Grand Bourgtheroulde on the occasion of the anniversary of the Association.
The town of Grand Bourgtheroulde has adopted Samye as sister town 6 years ago and the town hall has been hoisting Tibetan National Flag on every 10 March in support of Tibet.
The opening ceremony started with talk by Mr. Thierry Huyghe, President of the Tibet-Normandy. He said after 2009 the situation inside Tibet has remained very critical and there was no reciprocity from the Chinese government to any government. The French general public and journalists couldn’t go to Tibet. He also informed that each year the Association organisesTibetan Calligraphy and Tibet Day at the local primary school, some samples were also exhibited in the hall way.
The Mayor of Town Mr. Vincent Martin started his talk by thanking the organising Association. He said that his office has been supporting their events. Such manifestations helped public to be informed about Tibet.
Representative Tashi Phuntsok thanked Thierry and the Mayor of the town for organising such an event. He made special mention of the adoption of Samye snd the hoisting of Tibetan National Flag at the Town hall.
He said that the situation inside Tibet is critical. Tibetans in Tibet say that it is easier to go to heaven than to get a passport. For journalists, access to Tibet is more difficult than North Korea.
He further said that China does not respect the basic norms for international relationship. Even French Senators and members of the National Assembly are denied visa to Tibet. Therefore, supporting Tibet’s cause is also supporting the European values because China is advancing in all Europen countries with alternative system of Freedom, Equality, Human Rights, he concluded.
After the inaugural ceremony the Mayor accompanied the delegation to host them at his office, though being Saturday it was officially closed. A photo session was held in front of the plaque documenting the adoption of Samye by the town.
-Filed by Office of Tibet, Paris
