From: World Tibet News May 28, 1995

VILNIUS, May 26. The second World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet is being hosted by the Lithuanian Parliamentary Tibet Support Group, at the capital Vilnius, May 26/28, 1995. The Lithuanian Parliamentary Group has 41 MPs from all the major political parties in the country.

Over 80 MPs from 20 countries, including 40 MPs from Lithuania are participating in the Convention. The theme of the 2nd World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet is "Tibet: Saving a People from Annihilation."

This morning a joint Press Conference was held with Lithuanian Parliament, which was addressed by the Organising Committee chairperson, Dr Lama Andrikiene, MP, Lithuania, Senator Di Nino, Canada, a member of the WPCT Steering Committee member and Kalon Tashi Wangdi, Minister, Tibetan government in Exile. Some of the Lithuanian MPs, remarked that this morning's Press Conference was one of the best attended conference following Lithuania regaining independence. Lithuanian interest in the

Convention overwhelming.

This afternoon at 5.00 PM, the 2nd WPCT was inaugurated by the First President of Lithuania, Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis. In his address, he mentioned that it is the moral obligation of all the governments and the international community to protect the small and weak nations against the large and the strong nations and to support truth and justice whereas it is denied. The former President said that Lithuania was privileged to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit the country and to address its Parliament soon after Lithuania regaining independence.

Dr L Andrikeine, Organising chairperson introduced the theme of the 2nd WPCT and welcomed the delegations. Dr Andrikeine read messages received from many countries who could not send delegates.

Kalon Tashi Wangdi before reading His Holiness the Dalai Lama's message to the Convention, thanked the Lithuanian Parliamentary Tibet Support Group for hosting the 2nd WPCT. He also mentioned that the very survival of Tibet is threatened and appealed for international support and sympathy.

MPs from Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Ireland, Norway, Russia and European Parliament representatives thanked the Lithuanian parliament Support Group for organising the 2nd WPCT and their support and solidarity for the Convention.

Dr Michael van Walt, Secretary General of Un represented Nations people's Organisation gave the first keynote address to the Convention on: "Tibet's status in International Law." He gave a concise and a well substantiated talk on the above topic and said that the Chinese Government's claim of Tibet being part of China has no moral, legal and de facto basis. He also said that the Chinese policy of population transfer into Tibet threatens the existence of Tibet and Tibetan identity and which violates the Geneva Convention of 1949. He further added that there is much international concern on the endangered species of plants and animals and, in Tibet the existence of an entire race is being threatened and international support and concern is imperative.

Discussion on the above will be held at the tomorrow morning session.

In the evening, the Mayor of Vilnius, Mr Alis Vidunos hosted a reception for the delegates to the 2nd WPCT. He said, while welcoming the delegates to the reception, he was very pleased that the 2nd WPCT was held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania and very much hoped that Tibet will soon regain its rightful independence.

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, chairman of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile was not able to arrive via Moscow due to visa complications and will arrive via Frankfurt on 27 May

During the next two days, in addition to discussion on the international status of Tibet, delegates will discuss two other issues, Population transfer into Tibet and the is implications and Freedom in Tibet and Peace in Asia.