It’s fascinating to read of the Dalai Lama’s political interaction with the British government about the Beijing Olympic Games back in May. Here’s a short excerpt from the BBC’s coverage on his visit with British Prime Minister Brown.
“In the interview with the BBC , the Buddhist spiritual leader, 73, said of the Olympics’ opening ceremony: “Right from the beginning I fully support about the Olympic Games. Meantime I have also made clear the world takes this opportunity to remind the Chinese government about poor record on human rights, religious freedom and environment. The Chinese leadership should pay more attention.”Asked whether politicians and others should attend the opening ceremony if invited, he said: “[If an ] individual feel [that is] the best way to remind them [is] not [to[ attend, don’t do it.”But he qualified that: “If they feel to talk, to meet with Chinese leaders, that’s more effective, then go there.”On the question of where his meeting with Mr Brown is to be held today, the Dalai Lama said: “From my part there’s no differences, so long as the meeting [takes place]. So perhaps I think [with] our meeting, the Prime Minister I think, is becoming more spiritual minded.”He accepted the Prime Minister did not want to receive him at Number 10 for “economy reasons”.The Bhuddist spiritual leader, 73, said he was fully committed to a “middle way” of bringing greater autonomy for Tibet, but said he did not want the disputed province to break away entirely from the Chinese state.Asked what exactly he wanted for Tibet, he replied: “We are not seeking separation. It is in our own interest to remain within China.”“Defence and foreign affairs should be carried by central [Chinese] government but the rest of business – education and environment, religious work – should be handled by Tibetans themselves. That’s meaningful autonomy.”He said he thought the Chinese leadership “should take a more liberal way, a more open way, to look towards Tibet.”
Beijing Olympic Games: Dalai Lama calls for boycott of opening ceremony – Telegraph
