Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - Fifth International Conference of Tibet Support Groups

Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - Fifth International Conference of Tibet Support Groups [Druckversion]

Fifth International Conference of Tibet Support Groups
Dalai Lama withdraws his participation – Wolfgang Gerhardt criticizes Belgium

Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Dr. Otto Graf Lambsdorff, Tempa Tsering, Rolf Berndt

The 5th International Tibet Support Groups Conference was held in Brussels from 11th – 14th May, 2007, organized by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the Friedrich Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit, in collaboration with the Belgian Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet.

The Conference saw the largest ever gathering of Tibet Support Groups – 315 representatives from 56 countries and 5 continents, making it also the largest number of countries ever joining in the support movement. Human Rights, Development and Environment as well as working out strategies of and for the Tibetans-in-Exile in their struggle for freedom, autonomy and justice were the focal issue of the Conference.

In the assessment of the Managing Director of the Foundation, Rolf Berndt, this was "the most political Tibet Support Groups Conference ever" – mainly due to the opportunities for highlighting the relevance of the unsolved Tibetan issue in light of the upcoming Olympic Games in China next year.

Dr. René Klaff, Regional Director FNSt South Asia, addressing the conference

However, the conference will also be remembered for something else – it was the first time that His Holiness the Dalai Lama could not be present. Two weeks prior to his long-planned visit to Brussels, the Government of Belgium had shared with him "their predicament on account of pressure from the People's Republic of China in connection with the upcoming visit of a Belgian trade delegation, led by the Crown Prince." (Please refer to the whole text of His Holinesses Speech in the Annex). Although it was stated the Dalai Lama would be welcome if he should decide to travel to Brussels, it was not surprising that he accepted the "advice" of the Belgian Government and did not grace the Conference in person, since it his well-known policy not to put any government under pressure or inconvenience on account of his presence.

Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt and Tempa Tsering

The Chairman of the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung für die Freiheit, Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, criticized the behaviour of the Belgian Government in no uncertain terms. "I can only strongly regret the position of the Government of Belgium. (Their) considerations run counter to the values and norms that a free Europe should stand for. …this is the first time that an eminent leader who stands for freedom, democracy and peace is, for all practical purposes, prevented from attending a public meeting in the Capital of Europe". The Belgian Government's stance also prevented His Holiness the Dalai Lama from accepting an appointment with the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering. Wolfgang Gerhardt: "Imagine for a moment the Government of the United States of America would act on similar lines and prevent high-ranking personalities from visiting the United Nations!"

His Holiness Dalai Lama and Otto Graf Lambsdorff

In addition, Wolfgang Gerhardt expressed his hope that, in the long run, the Chinese leadership will understand that a solution of the Tibet issue will be beneficial for China as well. There would be no better point in time than the Olympic Games in 2008 in order to demonstrate to the world that China accepts the rules and values of the free world. The current Chairman of the Foundation also mentioned the untiring engagement for the Tibetan cause of his predecessor, Dr. Otto Count Lambsdorff. "Tibet was and will, I am sure, continue to remain one of his main passions. I thank him for his steadfast support to this deserving cause. In my capacity as his successor as Chairman of the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung, I will continue to offer my personal support and that of the Stiftung für die Freiheit to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to the Tibetan leadership."

Rolf Berndt renewed the commitment of the Foundation to continue the partnership with the Tibetans-in-Exile. "China cannot prevent us from our political work fro justice, human rights and freedom for the Tibetan People – China cannot destroy the Tibetan Support Movement!" This was an important message coming out from the Brussels Conference that will be heard und understood in Beijing as well. Citing Martin Luther King under a big applause, Rolf Berndt expressed the feelings of the participants: "I have a dream – a dream of justice, peace and freedom for the Tibetan people – to be achieved in our lifetime!"

Inaugural Session, Vote of Thanks by Dr. René Klaff, Regional Director South Asia, Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit

Valedictory Speech, Dr. h.c. Rolf Berndt, Executive Director, Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit

His Holiness the Dalai Lama 's message to the 5th International Tibet Support Group Conference

Press Statement by Kalon Tempa Tsering regarding His Holiness the Dalai Lama not being able to participate at the Tibet conference in Brussels
"We are not asking for 'high' or 'low' degree of autonomy" - Statement by Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche

Inaugural Address by the Chief Guest Anne-Marie Lizin

Welcome Address by Walter Muls, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Group for Tibet