Plan B Forum

US President Barack Obama has held private talks with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, despite strong criticism from China.

Mr Obama told the Dalai Lama of his "strong support" for human rights in Tibet, a White House statement said.

Beijing released an angry statement saying the meeting had damaged relations between the two countries.

Mr Obama's last meeting with the Dalai Lama in February 2010 also drew strong condemnation from Beijing.

The talks - which lasted about 45 minutes - were held in the Map Room rather than the Oval Office, which is traditionally reserved for visiting heads of state.

"The president reiterated his strong support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural and linguistic traditions of Tibet and the Tibetan people throughout the world," the White House statement said.

"He underscored the importance of the protection of human rights of Tibetans in China."

Mr Obama also reiterated that the US considers Tibet to be part of China, and said that he encouraged "direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences".

The closed-door meeting came just hours before the Dalai Lama was scheduled to leave Washington at the end of an 11-day Buddhist ritual.

China had earlier warned the US not to receive the Dalai Lama.

"Such an act has grossly interfered in China's internal affairs, hurt the feelings of Chinese people and damaged the Sino-American relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a written statement following the meeting.

"We demand the US side to seriously consider China's stance, immediately adopt measures to wipe out the baneful impact, stop interfering in China's internal affairs and cease to connive and support anti-China separatist forces that seek 'Tibet independence'," Mr Ma said.

The White House has not commented on Beijing's displeasure.

The Chinese authorities have long vilified the Dalai Lama as a "splittist", although he has repeatedly stated that his goal is for meaningful Tibetan autonomy rather than independence.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14174944

loCAtek wrote:Woo-Hoo Spirituality!

Lord Jim wrote:I agree Keld....

As with the Dalai Lama meeting, it's important that the US make clear that it will not yield to the arrogant demands of these thugs. To do so would only invite further demands.

Gob wrote:

loCAtek wrote:Woo-Hoo Spirituality!

It's nothing to do with spirituality, idiot.

loCAtek wrote:
the Dali Llama isn't spiritual?

loCAtek wrote: Not like I believe you anywayZ

To undertake the training to abstain from substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness. This precept is in a special category as it does not infer any intrinsic evil in, say, alcohol itself but indulgence in such a substance could be the cause of breaking the other four precepts.

loCAtek wrote:the Dali Llama

The Dalai Lama, who has met with various U.S. leaders during his stay in Washington, said he felt a “spirit of reunion” with Obama, said Kate Saunders, a spokeswoman for the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet.

“(Obama) is naturally showing some concern for basic human values, human rights, religious freedom,” the Dalai Lama said after the meeting, according to Saunders. “Naturally, he shows genuine concern about the suffering in Tibet and also other places,” she quoted the Dalai Lama as saying.