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Dalai Lama criticizes Chinese suppression, stresses Tibet=92s need for
autonomy
By Associated Press
Thursday, May 15, 2008 - Updated 5h ago
FRANKFURT, Germany - The Dalai Lama criticized China=92s "suppression"
of unrest in Tibet and insisted today that the region =97 with its
diverse heritage and rich traditions =97 wants to live in peace with its
neighbor under genuine autonomy.
"We are not seeking independence," the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader
said at the start of a five-day visit to Germany. "Since we have a
multicultural heritage and rich Buddhist tradition, we need genuine
autonomy."
But he criticized China=92s approach toward unrest in Tibet and its
sympathizers elsewhere in the country.
"Demonstrations are happening in Tibet and China and some are
suppressed, which is very sad," he said.
The Dalai Lama said his visit was aimed at promoting human values and
religious harmony.
"I=92ve had a close friend****p with the German people, and I=92d like to
inform and explain about the state of affairs in Tibet on my trip," he
said, noting that he has been visiting the country since 1973.
The 1989 Nobel Peace Prize laureate said Tibet and China shared a
"universal heritage" and acknowledged Germans=92 concern about recent
unrest in Tibet.
He said he is hopeful of common ground in future talks between Tibetan
leaders and China=92s government.
"Hopefully there will be more seriousness about this in our meetings
so eventually some constructive understanding can take place," he
said.
Roland Koch, governor of Hesse state, welcomed the Dalai Lama and said
that while Germany was happy the Olympic Games are taking place in
China, it still has questions about China=92s human rights record.
He said Germany has had a long relation****p with China and that a
"certain courage to change" is necessary to help the Tibetan issue =97
but won=92t come easily.
Chancellor Angela Merkel hosted the Dalai Lama in September in the
Berlin chancellery =97 an encounter that underlined her willingness to
publicly address awkward issues with China but also exposed strains in
her left-right governing coalition. Her decision to host the spiritual
leader infuriated Beijing, which canceled several meetings between
German and Chinese officials.
China =97 which claims Tibet has been part of its territory for
centuries =97 routinely protests meetings between foreign governments
and the Dalai Lama. China has ruled the Himalayan region with a heavy
hand since its communist-led forces invaded Tibet in 1959.
Protests against Chinese rule began in March in the Tibetan capital,
Lhasa, on the 49th anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese
rule. Events turned violent four days later, touching off
demonstrations by Tibetans and their sup****ters in three neighboring
provinces =97 and around the world.
Merkel currently is in Latin America and will not meet with the Dalai
Lama, officials said.
Merkel spokesman Thomas Steg dismissed suggestions that the government
was avoiding a meeting with the religious leader. He said Development
Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul would meet the Dalai Lama on
Monday. ... (cont)
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