Wiesbaden, Germany, 23 August 2011 - Hundreds of
Hessen citizens turned out to greet His Holiness the Dalai Lama this
afternoon on the second day of the visit.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama is
greeted by well-wishers on his way to the Hessen Parliament in
Wiesbaden, Germany, on 23 August 2011. Photo/Tibet Bureau Geneva
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From the hotel to the State Parliament, hundreds of
Germans lined up to greet and welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he
walked to the State Parliament through the city centre.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed Hessen Parliament’s first session
after the summer holidays. On arrival at the Parliament, President of
the State Parliament Mr. Norbert Kartmann welcomed His Holiness. As His
Holiness entered the Parliament, the staff members had especially
gathered in a large hall to welcome His Holiness.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s address was broadcasted live on the Hessen TV channel. It was also made available on the Internet.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama is
welcomed to the Hessen Parliament in Wiesbaden, Germany, on 23 August
2011. Photo/Tibet Bureau Geneva
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He thanked the members of the Parliament for their
support and stressed the importance to continue the special friendship
between the Hessen people and the Tibetans.
Then he emphasized the importance of compassion and needs for more
female leaders in politics. His Holiness said more female politicians
will be good for the society, as the female instincts are more
compassionate than men.
In the morning, His Holiness addressed over 100
people - many of them were social workers. He spoke on How to live a
meaningful life.
Then he met with 70 Chinese scholars, journalist and democracy advocates from five countries in Europe.
His Holiness began his address by saying, “My Chinese friends, Mongolian and Uyghur friends, I am happy to meet you all today.”
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting
with Chinese scholars, journalists and democracy advocates in
Wiesbaden, Germany, on 23 August 2011. Photo/Tibet Bureau Geneva
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The meeting provided an opportunity for the Chinese friends to ask questions and clarify misunderstandings, he said.
China has various minorities and His Holiness said every effort must be
made for a harmonious relationship amongst the minorities. However,
repression creates greater grievances.
For harmonious relationship acceptance of truth is very important and
critical. For friendship to last, there must be confidence and
transparency, he said.
Referring to the Tibetan issue, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that
China does not seem to be willing to resolve the Tibetan issue.
“We are not seeking independence but autonomy. It would be helpful for the mainland people to hear this,” he said.
