By Tenam
10 March Paris – Tibetans and Tibet supporters marched in major French cities this weekend to commemorate the 49th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day.
In Paris, protesters braved wet and windy weather to to join the parade. Thupten Gyatso, President of the Tibetan Community, gave a introductory speech and rallied the people gathered on the importance of resolving the Tibetan issue peacefully.
Mr Jamphel Choesang, the outgoing Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama read His Holiness’ statement in Tibetan followed by Mr Wangpo Bashi reading the French translation in full.
Tibetans were joined by representatives from Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma and a group called Taiwanese for a Free Tibet in Paris.
In the southern port city of Marseille, Tibetan supporters launched a symbolic “Flame of Tibet” as an alternative to the Olympics flame that will reach France early next month.
In Paris, after the formal ceremony a protest march was held at Trocadero, in front of Eiffel Tower. As the march reached near the Chinese embassy, a two-minute of silence was observed in memory of Tibetans who lost their lives for Tibet. This was followed by singing of the prayer – The Words of the Truth.
Tenam can be contacted at tenam@tibetwrites.org
