Global Flame of Truth Tibetan Torch Relay to Reach NZ

Auckland Tibetan Association

MEDIA RELEASE

7th October 2012

The Global Flame of Truth for Tibet will reach Auckland International Airport today.

Due to the worsening situation in Tibet, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has organised a world-wide Flame of Truth Relay and petition, which were launched in India on 6th July, the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After being going around the world they will arrive in New York, the petition to be presented to United Nations Secretary-General, Ban-Ki-Moon on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

"The Tibetan communities worldwide are so seriously concerned about human rights abuses in Tibet which have contributed to the tragic deaths of 51 Tibetans, in desperation setting themselves alight, with two further immolations this week, that international action is now considered vital," said Mr Kesang, president of the Auckland Tibetan Association.

The main demands of the petition are:

* The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on resolutions that it passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965 and continuously make efforts to fulfill the substance of these resolutions

* An independent international fact- finding delegation must immediately be sent to investigate the on-going crisis in Tibet .

* The United Nation must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled.

"Upon the arrival of the Global Flame of Truth on an Air New Zealand flight from Adelaide on Monday 8 October, 6.30pm the torch be delivered to the Auckland Tibetan Association by Tashi of the South Australian Tibetan Association. There will be a brief handover ceremony at the airport." said Mr Kesang, who expects a big turnout by Tibetan supporters.

"The next day, Tuesday 9 October the Tibetan community and supporters will assemble at Aotea Square at 11.45 am and walk down Queen Street to Queen Elizabeth Square, where speeches are planned.
On Wednesday 10 October, " Mr Kesang said,"supporters will meet at the top of One Tree Hill at 10.30 am, the highest point in Auckland City for a prayer session for the people of Tibet who are going through a very difficult time. We can burn some incense to remember them and recite the Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama."

He urged New Zealanders to give their support by attending local events, not only in Auckland but in other main centres throughout New Zealand.

Thursday 11 October 2012 the Torch will be delivered to Whangarei Tibetan Community by Gandhen Paljor, vice- President of Auckland Tibetan Association. From there it will go to Christchurch Tibetan community on Monday 15 October, then to the Dunedin Tibetan Community on Saturday 20 October. The Torch will be delivered by 31st October to Tibetan Community Association of Western Australia in Perth. From there it must reach Dharamsala, India by 15 November 2012.
ends

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