Dharamshala: On 10 January 2025, members of the Tibet Support Group from Westerwald, Germany, organised under FNF (Friedrich Naumann Foundation), convened with Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari of the Department of Security, Central Tibetan Administration, at cafe. The gathering reaffirmed their strong support for the Tibetan cause. When Security Kalon saw the Tibetan flag at the entrance of the cafe, she expressed her deep gratitude. She remarked on the profound significance of the flag for Tibetan people and conveyed her appreciation for the heartfelt gesture.

Kalon Dolma Gyari also extended her gratitude to Sandra Weeser, a member of the German FDP Parliament for her attendance and unwavering support for Tibet and its people.

During the meeting, they discussed the critical situation inside Tibet, particularly how Chinese government restrictions and harassment of Tibetans have intensified since 2008, leading to 157 self-immolations by Tibetans since 2009 due to their desperate situation. She also discussed the history of Sino-Tibetan dialogue, explaining that in 2001, the European Parliament warned China that if they didn’t engage in dialogue with representatives of the Dalai Lama’s exile government to resolve the Tibet issue, the European Parliament would recognise the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Under this pressure, China initiated dialogue in 2002.

The Kalon further addressed challenges faced by Tibetan refugees in various countries, including issues with documentation which differ from the privileges afforded to local citizens. The support group members expressed their willingness to assist in addressing such challenges wherever possible.

The Westerwald Tibet Support Group, established in 2008, shared its plans for observing Flag Day on 10 March 2025 by raising Tibetan flags in approximately 500 locations across Germany. The group also conveyed a letter from Sabine (SPD), a German Parliament member, who, despite being unable to attend in person, expressed her solidarity with the Tibetan cause through a message that was read during the meeting.

Responding to a query from one of the attendees, Ghanshyam Tiwari, spokesperson for India’s Samajwadi Party, reaffirmed that all Indian political parties unanimously support the Tibetan cause.

The Security Kalon Dolma Gyari was accompanied by Under Secretary Dawa Dolma during the visits.

-Report filed by Tibet Bureau, Geneva