Vancouver Mayor welcomes His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Friday, 8 September 2006, 5:00 PM

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Vancouver this morning via Tokyo at 9:30 a.m. local time, half an hour ahead of schedule. His Holiness and the entourage members were extended special customs and immigration courtesies on their arrival.

A huge crowd of people greeted His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he reached the City Hall, where he was welcomed by the mayor of city, Sam Sullivian. The mayor thanked His Holiness for making this visit.

His Holiness expressed his happiness in being back in the city once again and expressed his great admiration for the way people of different religions and ethnic backgrounds live peacefully. His Holiness said he feels this could be a model for others.

This brief meeting was followed by a press conference. There were about 60 media representatives. The mayor came out with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to formally welcome him in front of the waiting media representatives.

Despite the long journey from Dharmsala to Vancouver, His Holiness was remarkably fresh and spent nearly an hour answering a wide range of questions from the reporters. When leaving the City Hall there were more people gathered out side to get a glimpse of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

A large number of Tibetans in traditional dress along with others were at the hotel to welcome and to receive an audience of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

(www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)