Dalai Lama Asks for US Help On Tibet
By VOA News
21 April 2008
Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, says Tibetans need U.S. help in resolving their conflict with the Chinese government.
The Dalai Lama discussed the situation Monday with a top U.S. official for Tibetan affairs, Paula Dobriansky, at a meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Dobriansky, the U.S. special coordinator for Tibetan issues and undersecretary of state for democracy and global affairs said President Bush has been a steadfast supporter of the need for a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Chinese leaders.
Ahead of the meeting, Dobriansky said, in an article in the Washington Post the Dalai Lama is the only person with the influence and credibility to persuade Tibetans to refrain from violence and accept genuine autonomy within China.
She also said the Chinese government should cease its repressive measures and allow Tibetans to practice their religion and preserve their cultural identity.
In Tibet Monday, the Communist Party launched what it calls a "patriotic education" drive following recent anti-China protests in the region.
The government blames the Dalai Lama of masterminding several weeks of protests in Tibetan areas of The China and of seeking independence for Tibet. The Dalai Lama denies the charge, and says he only wants autonomy for Tibet.
The Paris city council on Monday voted to award honorary citizenship to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.
The head of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, is set to raise the issue of China's policies in Tibet during a two-day visit this week.
Chinese media have called both the U. S. and the European Union hypocritical and ignorant about Tibet.
Tibet's government-in-exile says more than 150 people have died in the Chinese crackdown on mostly monk-led protests. China blames Tibetan rioters for the deaths of at least 20 people.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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