Dalai Lama Speaks on Chinese Olympics, Rights
Published: Friday, 18 April, 2008
Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 18 April 2008 (By Tina Lam, Detroit Free Press) β The Dalai Lama spoke about harmony, inner peace and happy families at an Ann Arbor press conference today, stressing that his visit to the U.S. is not political. But he also said he understands why people in Tibet have protested, and said he tried to contact the Chinese premier last week but "got no positive response."
The spiritual and political leader of Tibet, who is the equivalent of the Catholic pope to many of the world's Buddhists, talked to about 50 reporters and photographers to mark the official start of his three-day visit to the University of Michigan. Events are scheduled Saturday and again Sunday when he will make a major address on the environment.
He was pressed about the political crisis in Tibet where the Chinese government has cracked down on protesters and worldwide demonstrations along the route of the Olympic torch as it heads toward Beijing for this summer's Olympic games.
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The Dalai Lama talks with reporters at Rackham Auditorium in Ann Arbor on Friday. |
"From the very beginning I have supported the Olympics," said the Dalai Lama. "We must support China's desires. Even after this sad situation in Tibet, today I support the Olympics." Still, he said he fully understands why people would express frustration and protest.
"A demonstration is an expression of what you feel," he said. "It's normal and right."
He said Chinese authorities need to be reminded to respect human rights and to improve them. China needs to treat people with dignity, he said.
In India, where he has lived in exile since 1959, the Tibetan exile government fully supports democracy and allows criticism, he said. "Some people criticize me directly. I welcome that," he said. "I can't say to people, 'Shut up.'"
Dressed in dark maroon robes and western leather shoes, the Dalai Lama entered a room packed with reporters and cameras with his hands held up prayerfully, apologizing for his lateness.
He said he'd like to see more face to face meetings between Chinese and Tibetan people, wherever they live.
He also said he's worried about what's happening to Tibetan culture inside Tibet. The capital, Lhasa, is now two-thirds Han Chinese, leaving the Tibetans speaking more Chinese than their own language. The Chinese are not as interested in Buddhism, he said. "Unintentionally, cultural genocide is taking place," he said.
He reiterated, as he has many times in recent weeks, that he does not seek independence for Tibet, only autonomy, as promised decades ago by China. His trip here was to promote human values, which lead to inner peace, and happy families; it was not intended to be political, he said.
The Dalai Lama at times laughed, gestured animatedly and even tapped himself on the head to make his points. As he answered questions, he looked directly at each person, as if to make sure they understood.
When asked what he had said to President George Bush about Iraq when the two met, the Dalai Lama said he loved Bush. "He's a good person," he said. He said he mentioned to the president that he had reservations about his policies in Iraq and Afghanistan. "He just smiled," he said of Bush.
Commenting on the fact that he and Pope Benedict XVI are visiting the U.S. at the same time, he said they bring a common message. "All religions carry the same message," he said. "Love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, self discipline and contentment."
