| Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai | | | | "In fact, when his Holiness comes here, I can |
| Lama, is due to start a high-profile visit to | | | | tell you his message will be not one of |
| Washington Monday, once again throwing the | | | | talking about splitting China, nor about |
| spotlight on the plight of his homeland, a | | | | criticizing China," said Mr. Gyari. "In fact, |
| region inside Chinese territory. The Dalai | | | | he will be here with the simple message, |
| Lama's trip comes as diplomatic talks between | | | | saying he wants to reach out to the Chinese. |
| his representatives and the Chinese | | | | He wants to be someone who can help stabilize |
| government have stalled. | | | | China." |
| | | | |
| Whenever the spiritual head of Tibetan | | | | The Dalai Lama is not calling for Tibetan |
| Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, makes news | | | | independence; rather, he urges China to grant |
| headlines abroad, Beijing objects. Chinese | | | | Tibet greater autonomy and respect Tibetan |
| Embassy spokesman Chu Maoming emphasized that | | | | culture and religion. The Tibetan envoy |
| this position has not changed. "The 14th | | | | acknowledged that, although the Dalai Lama's |
| Dalai Lama is not a pure religious figure. He | | | | trip will anger the Chinese government, he |
| is a political fugitive," said the spokesman. | | | | believes it will also have what he described |
| | | | as an important effect on the world stage. |
| The Dalai Lama fled Tibet after a failed | | | | |
| uprising in 1959. He lives in India, and was | | | | "Because [the Chinese] see this all as a |
| awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1989. | | | | conspiracy. They see all this as if he is |
| | | | here just to embarrass them," said Mr. Gyari. |
| The Chinese spokesman accused the 70-year-old | | | | "But having said that, I think the Chinese |
| Nobel laureate of trying to increase | | | | leaders are much more responsive to |
| international support for an independent | | | | international concern. I do not want to use |
| Tibet, and he urged countries around the | | | | the word pressure, (but just) international |
| world not to host the Tibetan leader. | | | | concern." |
| | | | |
| "The Chinese government opposes any political | | | | During the Dalai Lama's trip to Washington, |
| activities of the Dalai Lama, in any country, | | | | he will meet with Congressional leaders. He |
| aimed at separating China and undermining | | | | also is expected to meet with President Bush. |
| national unity," he said. "The Chinese | | | | The U.S. leader previously has met the Dalai |
| government also opposes any invitation | | | | Lama twice at the White House, in 2001 and |
| extended to, or meeting with, the Dalai Lama, | | | | 2003. |
| by official figures of any country, in | | | | |
| whatever names or forms." | | | | On less worldly matters, the Tibetan leader |
| | | | will be a featured speaker at a conference to |
| The Dalai Lama arrives Monday in Washington | | | | discuss the science and clinical applications |
| for a 10-day visit. His special envoy, Lodi | | | | of meditation and, in a separate appearance, |
| Gyari, said he believes Beijing has the wrong | | | | at the annual meeting of the Society for |
| impression of the purpose of the Tibetan | | | | Neuroscience. He also will present a public |
| spiritual leader's U.S. visit. | | | | talk, titled "Global Peace Through |
| | | | Compassion. |