The Dalai Lama, fan of the EU spirit
(B2 in Strasbourg) For his second visit to the European Parliament, the Dalai Lama used his talents as entertainer, making his audience laugh, while bringing a message of peace. Before the Foreign Affairs Committee, this Thursday, September 15, he hailed the spirit of the European project and called for this example to be spread, to resolve the multiple global crises.
The EU, a spirit to spread
« Brothers and sisters, Iam one of the great admirers of the spirituality and spirit of the European Union. I am always impressed by the spirit of the European Union because it aims at the common interest of peoples. " I think this spirit of European Union should spread to Africa and elsewhere in the world. »
Call for "constructive criticism" against China
While stressing that he had retired and was no longer in charge of political affairs, the Dalai Lama urged MEPs to discuss the Tibet issue with Chinese leaders " whenever they get the chance » and to go there because « it is a precious proof (of support) for the Tibetan people”. “The Union can help China's future by offering constructive criticism, sometimes necessary, at a time when Chinese leaders, even hardliners, are faced with a kind of dilemma on how to deal with this problem. », explained the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Working together to solve the global crisis
Asked about the various current conflicts, his answer was simple but clear. " We are all human beings and we need to work together. » Emphasizing the importance of promoting tolerance, forgiveness and inner peace rather than emphasizing the differences between people, which often lead to religious or nationalist conflicts.
A Thursday of action
The Dalai Lama met Thursday morning (September 15) with the deputies in plenary. An unusual presence. For those who regularly follow Parliament's activities in Strasbourg, Thursday (the last day of the session), which is moreover at 8 am, is generally not the busiest nor the liveliest day... Tibetan leader therefore gave a green shot to Thursday... And Parliament let itself be carried away.
We won't give in to pressure
No question of giving in to Chinese pressure repeated several MEPs. Thus, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the German Christian Democrat Elmar Brok, underlined " the pressures that have been exerted to cancel this meeting” and insisted that “the European Parliament has the right to meet whoever it wants ". A position that contrasts with the shyness of the French, whose leaders have not met the Tibetan, visiting France since Monday.
(Leonor Hubaut)