Tallinn, Estonia, 17 August 2011 (by Toomas Tiivel) - His Holiness
the Dalai Lama’s second day of his third visit to Estonia began with
interviews for Postimees, the largest newspaper in Estonia, and Estonian
Television.
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama with
Estonian President Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves in Tallinn, Estonia, on 17
August 2011. Photo/Jarek Jõepera/Office of Tibet, London |
His Holiness then met with the The President of
Estonia Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves at the Centre for Defence Studies in
Tallinn. The meeting with the President was followed by a brief seminar
on Tibet attended by the staff of the Centre, intellectuals and writers
from different institutions as well as people who are deeply interested
in international affairs.
His Holiness then walked the short distance between the Centre for
Defence Studies and the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) stopping enroute
to speak to and bless Estonians and tourists. At the Riigikogu, His
Holiness met with members of the Estonian Parliamentary Group for Tibet
and other members of the Estonian Parliament, and attended a lunch
hosted by Mr. Andres Herkel, the leader of the Estonian Parliamentary
group for Tibet, in honour of His Holiness’ visit. The lunch was
attended by guests including the Mr. Mart Laar, the Minister of Defence
and the acting Prime Minister of Estonia.
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting
with Parliamenatarian supporters and Tibet support group members from
the three Baltic States in Tallinn, Estonia, on 17 August 2011.
Photo/Jarek Jõepera/Office of Tibet, London |
Immediately
following lunch, His Holiness had a meeting with Parliamentarian
supporters from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, including some MEPs and
key members from the Tibet support groups from the three Baltic States.
Addressing the meeting, His Holiness spoke about the situation in Tibet
today. The policy of the Chinese central government was leading to a
situation where the Tibetans are become an insignificant minority in
their own land. Commenting on the construction of the railway to Lhasa,
His Holiness informed the meeting that the Chinese leaders themselves
have expressed the view that this is a political and not an economic
project. The environmental situation is critical as a result of
deforestation and mining. Despite these difficulties, His Holiness
informed the meeting that a positive thing is the fact that Tibetan
spirit and determination remains very strong.
The culmination of the second day of His Holiness’ visit to Estonia was
His Holiness’ public speech "A Call for Universal Responsibility" at the
Liberty Square, in front of the Estonian Liberty Statue.
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| The 10,000 strong crowd listening
to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at Liberty Square in Tallinn,
Estonia, on 17 August 2011. Photo/Jarek Jõepera/Office of Tibet, London |
Opening the meeting under the Estonian
and Tibetan flags, the main organisers of the visit Mr Sven Grünberg,
the Director of Estonian Institute of Buddhism and Mr. Andres Herkel
spoke about the historic value of this visit, the meetings with the
Estonian officials - The President, the parliamentarians, the acting
Prime Minister and other ministers.
Mr Grünberg added that people attending the meeting as well as watching
the media coverage are here not only to get something but also to give –
we have to make sure that the Tibetan civilization and culture will not
vanish. He gave a present to His Holiness from the Estonian People –
flags of both Estonia and Tibet (both made in Estonia).
In his speech His Holiness remembered with warm words his visits to
Estonia some years ago, mentioning that he loved Estonia and Estonian
people for their courage and the bravery during complicated times 20 and
more years ago. His Holiness spoke of the respect which he held for the
Estonian people for the strength and determination that they have shown
in their struggle for freedom and in their establishing democracy
following a long period of authoritarian Communist rule.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama
greeting well-wishers as he leaves Liberty Square after his talk in
Tallinn, Estonia, on 17 August 2011. Photo/Jarek Jõepera/Office of
Tibet, London |
His Holiness told
the large gathering of about 10,000 people that it was good to base our
life on hope because no one can predict the future. Estonia has achieved
many of her aspirations and she has done it respecting moral ethics.
Following the public talk, the Tibetan Nobel Peace Laureate also
answered a series of questions put by the audience, ranging from his
visits to different countries, the present situation in the world, his
recent resignation from political leadership, and how people from
different countries can help the Tibetans.
Leaving the Liberty Square, His Holiness consecrated a sand mandala
created close to the where the public talk was held by monks from
Namgyal Monastery
