Mr. Takna Jigme Sangpo, 76 year old former Tibetan political prisoner, concluded his nine-day speaking tour of France on March 29, 2003.  He arrived in Paris from Zurich on March 22 at the invitation of the Bureau du Tibet, Paris. 

Earlier on March 23, Mr. Sangpo addressed the resident Tibetans by giving an account of his life as a political prisoner.  He related the reasons why he was arrested, tortured, and imprisoned for 37 years.  While speaking to the Tibetans, Mr. Sangpo strongly advocated the truth of the Tibetan cause and its struggle, and insisted that it is because of his absolute faith in the truth that he could stand up against the Chinese with determination.

On the morning of March 24, Mr. Sangpo gave a long interview to the French Weekly LA VIE.   In the evening, Mr. Sangpo gave a public talk at Forum, a Central Paris hall.  During his talk, he offered an extremely vivid picture of his prison life which captured the attention and moved the entire audience.  He reasoned that the international pressure should continue since it produces concrete results.  Mr. Sangpo concluded his talk by thanking the governments, NGOs, TSGs, individuals, who are supporting the just cause of Tibet.

On March 25, Mr. Sangpo had a detailed meeting with the officials of the French Foreign Ministry which lasted for a hour.  During the meeting, Mr. Sangpo exposed his personal account and made strong request to bring support for the Tibetan issue at the current session of the UN Commission on Human Rights.  In the evening , Mr. Sangpo appeared before the senators and deputies of the French National Assembly and urged the members to continue to intervene in favor of Tibet.  When the members asked him what would be the most important thing to do for Tibet , Mr. Sangpo pointed out two issues: recognition of Tibet as an occupied country, and support for the self-determination right of the Tibetan people. 

On March 27, Mr. Sangpo offered a very moving account of his personal story to the members of the Amnesty International headquarters in Paris.  Before the testimony, Mr. Sangpo gave an interview to a private cable TV, which serves as a regular voice for human rights and freedom.

On March 28, Mr. Sangpo gave an exclusive interview to Radio France International which was broadcasted internationally in French language on March 31 to coincide with the time when Mr. Sangpo testify at the 59th session of the UN Commission of Human Rights.