Ottawa – Representatives of Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) greeted His Holiness the Dalai Lama this afternoon at Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa and handed over a letter of appreciation and gratitude for his strong stance for Burmese Democracy Movement.
"Burma supporters and Burmese dissidents across Canada would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support for freedom, democracy and human rights in Burma," the letter handed to the Dalai Lama read.
"Your latest solidarity statement dated September 23 for thousands of monks who protested against the escalating repression of the military regime is encouraging to millions of people who have been risking their lives for freedoms," the letter noted, adding that "Burmese people are so grateful to your consistent support and will not forget the freedom struggle of Tibetan people."
In the early evening today, the Dalai Lama delivered a public talk entitled "Global Citizenship" to a sold-out crowd of 8,000 in Ottawa Civic Center. The 72 years old spiritual leader was asked how he coped up with the recent crackdown on Buddhists monks in Burma and if non-violence still works after seeing images of Buddhist monks being killed in Burma. It seemed to refresh his memory in Tibet, but the Dalai Lama urged to stick to the non-violence principle and suggested unprecedented global concerns would help change the situation in Burma.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is scheduled to hold the first-ever formal meeting with the Dalai Lama in the House of Commons on Monday, apparently ignoring China's opposition. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin met the Dalai Lama in 2004 in an informal private setting.
The Tibetan leader also landed in Canada last year and received Honorary Canadian Citizenship, the honour also conferred to Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by Canadian Parliament this month. The Dalai Lama also received the Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol Hill and met with U.S. President George W. Bush at White House on Oct. 16.
Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB)
145 Spruce St. Suite 206
Ottawa, ON K1R 6P1
Tel: 613.237.8056
Fax: 613.563.0017
Email: cfob@cfob.org
Website: www.cfob.org