Sikyong giving a talk at European Humanities University in Vilnius
Photo: tibet.net
On June 12, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the de facto Tibetan prime minister, arrived in Lithuania with Thubten Samdup, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Northern Europe. The visit was aimed at raising support for Tibet during Lithuania’s planning of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union beginning in July.
Dr Sangay participated in a discussion titled “Tibet- Present and Future Prospects” with Dalia Kuodyte, Chair of the Parliamentary Tibet Friendship Group. Kuodyte stressed that Lithuania is capable of taking effective action for Tibet.
A petition to Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite was initiated, urging her to mobilise support and ask the international community to take action on the situation in Tibet.
Leonidas Donskis
Photo: uagadugu.lt
The Lithuanian MEP, political commentator and defender of human rights and civil liberties, Leonidas Donskis, said “The tragedy is that today, the Tibetan people have to sacrifice their lives in order to draw the world, the international community’s attention. Unfortunately, it is the highest and most terrible price.” He praised Lithuania’s understanding of the tragedy in Tibet.
Dr Sangay compared the situation in Tibet to the occupation of Lithuania during the Second World War. Contrary to the provisions of the Chinese Constitution, Tibetan culture and language are “not only discouraged, but also denied,” he said.
Sikyong in Vilnius
Photo: Tibet.net
During his two-day stay in the capital Vilnius, Sikyong met members of the Lithuanian parliament, non government organisations, and students of the European Humanities University.
His Holiness will visit Vilnius in September, marking his third visit to Lithuania.
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