Beijing Olympic Games: Dalai Lama calls for boycott of opening ceremony

Beijing Olympic Games: Dalai Lama calls for boycott of opening ceremony
By Stephen Adams 23/05/2008

The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, has called on Western governments to boycott the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony in Beijing if they think it will put pressure on the Chinese government to change.


But he said if they thought they could achieve more through diplomatic means, they should attend the ceremony.

Speaking during a high-profile 11-day tour of Britain, he also confirmed it was Gordon Brown’s decision to hold their meeting tomorrow away from Number 10, in a bid not to offend the Chinese.

The Dalai Lama is due to meet the Prime Minister at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

He is also due to meet with House of Commons’ Foreign Affairs Committee to lobby his cause today.

In the interview with the BBC , the Buddhist spiritual leader, 73, said of the Olympics’ opening ceremony: “Right from the beginning I fully support about the Olympic Games. Meantime I have also made clear the world takes this opportunity to remind the Chinese government about poor record on human rights, religious freedom and environment. The Chinese leadership should pay more attention.”

Asked whether politicians and others should attend the opening ceremony if invited, he said: “[If an ] individual feel [that is] the best way to remind them [is] not [to[ attend, don’t do it.”

But he qualified that: “If they feel to talk, to meet with Chinese leaders, that’s more effective, then go there.”

On the question of where his meeting with Mr Brown is to be held today, the Dalai Lama said: “From my part there’s no differences, so long as the meeting [takes place]. So perhaps I think [with] our meeting, the Prime Minister I think, is becoming more spiritual minded.”

He accepted the Prime Minister did not want to receive him at Number 10 for “economy reasons”.

The Bhuddist spiritual leader, 73, said he was fully committed to a “middle way” of bringing greater autonomy for Tibet, but said he did not want the disputed province to break away entirely from the Chinese state.

Asked what exactly he wanted for Tibet, he replied: “We are not seeking separation. It is in our own interest to remain within China.”

“Defence and foreign affairs should be carried by central [Chinese] government but the rest of business - education and environment, religious work - should be handled by Tibetans themselves. That’s meaningful autonomy.”

He said he thought the Chinese leadership “should take a more liberal way, a more open way, to look towards Tibet.”

Despite the recent crackdown which Tibetan authorities claim left 203 civilians dead - a figure denied by the Chinese - he said he was “quite optimistic” about prospects for his homeland.

But he admitted his people were getting “frustrated” with the lack of progress towards greater autonomy.

“The longer time [there is] no improvement inside Tibet and ruthless suppression continue, then more frustration.”

On Friday he will also plant a tree at Clarence House in the presence of the Prince of Wales.

The pair have met a number of times before, with Charles known to be a keen admirer of the Dalai Lama.

The Tibetan holy man will also deliver a speech on Universal Responsibility in the Modern World at the Royal Albert Hall.

Story from Telegraph News:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2006564/Beijing-Olympic-Games-Dalai-Lama-calls-for-boycott-of-opening-ceremony.html