Dalai Lama visits storm-affected areas in southern Taiwan
Central News Agency
2009/08/31 21:28:28
By Julia Chien
Kaohsiung, Aug 31 (CNA) The Dalai Lama drew welcoming crowds in southern Taiwan Monday as he began his tour of areas hard-hit by Typhoon Morakot and prayed for those who lost their families and homes in flooding and mudslides caused by the storm.
In Siaolin village, which had hundreds of its residents buried alive by a landslide in the storm, the exiled Tibetan leader put his palms together in prayer while a monk next to him recited a Buddhist sutra.
Braving the sweltering heat, many typhoon-affected victims took the belongings of their loved ones who perished in the storm to the site, hoping that their souls could rest in peace following the Dalai Lama's prayer.
After the ceremony, which lasted 10 minutes, the Dalai Lama greeted the typhoon-affected victims surrounding him.
He said that although many survived the typhoon, some people lost their family members and good friends, and he wanted to share their sorrow and sadness, which is the main purpose of his visit.
Facing the dogged media throng around him, he was articulate and did not shun from sensitive political questions.
He stressed that his visit has "no political agenda" and that he has nothing to discuss with the leader of this country, saying he doesn't "want to create any inconvenience (for) anybody." Asked about his views on cross-strait relations, he said that Taiwanese politicians, including those from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) , do not seek "separation" from China.
"Taiwan should have really close unique links with mainland China," the Dalai Lama said.
He later traveled to Jiadong, a town on the southwestern coast of Pingtung County that was heavily flooded during the typhoon, to pray for the quick recovery of the town and its people.
In a pouring rain that began when he arrived in the coastal town, the Dalai Lama said people were traumatized because of the disaster, but urged them not to lose faith but start a new life.
Shortly after he left, the pouring rain stopped and the sun came out, and many of his followers interpreted the temporary rain as a good omen for the affected area and its victims.
Before heading to disaster areas Monday morning, the Dalai Lama was greeted outside his hotel in Kaohsiung by about 20 aboriginal protesters from Paiwan and Rukai tribal villages in Pingtung County that were also battered by the typhoon.
They were unhappy that the Dalai Lama did not plan to visit aboriginal villages during his time in Taiwan and that he had only come with prayers but no substantial relief resources.
They displayed white banners displaying the words, "We don't want the Dalai Lama politics, we want his food and shelter," and "We need relief resources, not verbal prayers." They said, however, that they would be happy if the Dalai Lama consented to stay in Taiwan for a longer period of time to help the victims.
There were also several supporters and members of the U.N. For Taiwan Association who welcomed the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit.
About 40 policemen were dispatched to maintain order around the hotel where the Dalai Lama was staying.
Beijing has said it "resolutely opposes" the Dalai Lama's visit, and a Chinese official involved in Taiwan affairs warned Sunday night that his trip "is bound to have a negative influence on the relations between the mainland and Taiwan." Unflustered by the commotion, the Dalai Lama said the diversity of responses was a wonderful sign of democracy and freedom of speech, and he emphasized that he did not plan any political statements but came here solely for humanitarian purposes.
"We are not seeking separation for Taiwan, but the fate of Taiwan depends on the more than 20 million people, " he said. "You are enjoying democracy and that you must preserve. I myself am totally dedicated to the promotion of democracy." Despite the Dalai Lama's insistence that his trip is strictly for humanitarian and religious purposes, some of his itinerary has been changed.
A press conference scheduled for Monday and a speech scheduled in the Taoyuan Arena for later in the week were canceled and an event in the 15,000-seat Kaohsiung Arena has been moved to the Garden Villa, which can only accommodate an audience of 700 people.
Chow Mei-li, the president of the "Taiwan Friends of Tibet, " accused China of putting pressure on Taiwan's authorities to cancel or downsize the events.
However, Dawa Tsering, chairman of the Tibet Religious Foundation of H.H. The Dalai Lama, explained that the Tibetan leader changed the venue of the Kaohsiung speech because it would have required 5,000 policemen to maintain order at Kaohsiung Arena, which in the Dalai Lama's opinion was too much.
Dawa Tsering also said the Taoyuan Arena speech was canceled because the site had already been booked.
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