Dalai Lama Speaks on Chinese Olympics, Rights
Published: Friday, 18 April, 2008
Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 18 April 2008 (By Tina Lam, Detroit Free Press) =96
The Dalai Lama spoke about harmony, inner peace and happy families at
an Ann Arbor press conference today, stressing that his visit to the
U.S. is not political. But he also said he understands why people in
Tibet have protested, and said he tried to contact the Chinese premier
last week but "got no positive response."
The spiritual and political leader of Tibet, who is the equivalent of
the Catholic pope to many of the world's Buddhists, talked to about 50
re****ters and photographers to mark the official start of his three-
day visit to the University of Michigan. Events are scheduled Saturday
and again Sunday when he will make a major address on the environment.
He was pressed about the political crisis in Tibet where the Chinese
government has cracked down on protesters and worldwide demonstrations
along the route of the Olympic torch as it heads toward Beijing for
this summer's Olympic games.
ROMAIN BLANQUART/Detroit Free Press
The Dalai Lama talks with re****ters at Rackham Auditorium in Ann Arbor
on Friday.
"From the very beginning I have sup****ted the Olympics," said the
Dalai Lama. "We must sup****t China's desires. Even after this sad
situation in Tibet, today I sup****t the Olympics." Still, he said he
fully understands why people would express frustration and protest.
"A demonstration is an expression of what you feel," he said. "It's
normal and right."
He said Chinese authorities need to be reminded to respect human
rights and to improve them. China needs to treat people with dignity,
he said.
In India, where he has lived in exile since 1959, the Tibetan exile
government fully sup****ts democracy and allows criticism, he said.
"Some people criticize me directly. I welcome that," he said. "I can't
say to people, 'Shut up.'"
Dressed in dark maroon robes and western leather shoes, the Dalai Lama
entered a room packed with re****ters and cameras with his hands held
up prayerfully, apologizing for his lateness.
He said he'd like to see more face to face meetings between Chinese
and Tibetan people, wherever they live.
He also said he's worried about what's happening to Tibetan culture
inside Tibet. The capital, Lhasa, is now two-thirds Han Chinese,
leaving the Tibetans speaking more Chinese than their own language.
The Chinese are not as interested in Buddhism, he said.
"Unintentionally, cultural genocide is taking place," he said.
He reiterated, as he has many times in recent weeks, that he does not
seek independence for Tibet, only autonomy, as promised decades ago by
China. His trip here was to promote human values, which lead to inner
peace, and happy families; it was not intended to be political, he
said.
The Dalai Lama at times laughed, gestured animatedly and even tapped
himself on the head to make his points. As he answered questions, he
looked directly at each person, as if to make sure they understood.
When asked what he had said to President George Bush about Iraq when
the two met, the Dalai Lama said he loved Bush. "He's a good person,"
he said. He said he mentioned to the president that he had
reservations about his policies in Iraq and Afghanistan. "He just
smiled," he said of Bush.
Commenting on the fact that he and Pope Benedict XVI are visiting the
U.S. at the same time, he said they bring a common message. "All
religions carry the same message," he said. "Love, compassion,
forgiveness, tolerance, self discipline and contentment."
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