PRESS RELEASE

Oslo 30.09.08
Contact:
Karma Pangring:   Mobile 0041 797574865
President Steering Committee
Chungdak  Koren : 0047 95024443  (Swiss 41 786 76 81 60  from9-12 October)
Member of Steering Committee and responsible for Congress

1st Europe Tibetan Congress in Basel, Switzerland from 11-12 October 2008

The 1st Europe Tibetan Congress will take place in Basel, Switzerland
from 11-12 October 2008. The Congress will provide a platform for
Tibetans living in Europe to discuss political responsibilities and
challenges, as well as how Tibetan religion and culture can be preserved
and practiced in Exile in Europe among the Tibetans.
Over 125 Tibetans delegates from 14 European countries will attend the
1st Europe Tibetan Congress. The large numbers of delegations
demonstrates the importance the Tibetans in Europe attaches  to this
Congress.

Initially the Congress was to be inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai
Lama. However, unfortunately His Holiness the Dalai Lama had to cancel
his tour to several European countries including to Switzerland in
October this year.  The absence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is deeply
regretted by every Tibetan in Europe. Nevertheless, in view of the very
critical time that the non-violent freedom struggle of the Tibetan
people is facing presently, the Steering Committee of the 1st Europe
Tibetan Congress has decided to continue to convene the Congress as planned.

  “We are most fortunate that Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche (the
Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in Exile) has graciously
accepted our invitation to be the keynote speaker at the Congress, as
initially planned,” says Mr. Karma Pangring, the President of Tibetan
Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein as well as the President of
the Steering Committee for the Congress.

Chungdak Koren
Steering Committee member of 1st Europe Tibetan Congress