ZURICH: The European leg of the flame of truth torch relay arrived in Zurich last night. About 700 Tibetans welcomed the torch relay, which started its European relay on 2 September from Barcelona. Switzerland is the last leg of the Flame of Truth’s Europe relay.
 
Ven Thubten Wangchen, a Tibetan Parliamentarian from Europe carrying the torch was given a rousing welcome on his arrival in Bürkliplatz, Zurich.
 
Forty Tibetan peace marchers lined up with 20 lit torches on both sides of the driveway to welcome the torch relay and the recognisable small red car dotted with a large Tibetan national flag and the flags of 23 countries it had travelled since 2 September. The peace march kick started on 30 October from Solothurn and arrived in Zurich yesterday evening covering 75 kms in three days.  
 
Mr Lobsang Gangshontsang, the president of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, welcomed Ven Thubten Wangchen and explained the aims of the flame of truth relay. He said the torch relay aims to urge the United Nations to discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, send an independent international fact-finding delegations to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet and to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled. 
 
In his address, Ven Thubten Wangchen spoke with sadness about the situation in Tibet, adding that over 62 Tibetans have burned themselves calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland and freedom in Tibet.
 
He said he received tremendous support for Tibet from members of parliaments, mayors, Tibetans, Tibet supporters and general public, during the torch’s journey across 40 major cities in 23 European countries.

He said he did not feel exhausted during the last two months while covering over 15,000 kms, adding that he was honoured to carry the Flame of Truth across Europe and seek support for the issue of Tibet.
 
His friend and driver Javier from Barcelona accompanied him throughout the torch relay in a small red car. Javier had quit his job and offered to drive Ven Wangchen across Europe in his car.
 
Mr Martin Näf, member of the Tibet Group within the Swiss Parliament and representatives of the Tibetan Women’s Association, Tibetan Youth Association in Europe and the Tibetan Swiss Friendship Association, also addressed the rally.
 
The torch relay will travel to the Swiss capital city Bern tomorrow and to Geneva on Sunday.
 
The torch relay in Switzerland is being jointly by the Tibetan community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association and Tibet Swiss Friendship Association.