JAPAN: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama expresses support for Beijing Olympics despite China's recent deadly crackdown in Tibet
Record ID:
1533468
JAPAN: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama expresses support for Beijing Olympics despite China's recent deadly crackdown in Tibet
- Title: JAPAN: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama expresses support for Beijing Olympics despite China's recent deadly crackdown in Tibet
- Date: 10th April 2008
- Summary: DALAI LAMA ARRIVING AT NEWS CONFERENCE DALAI LAMA GREETING THE MEDIA WIDE DALAI LAMAAT NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (English) DALAI LAMA SAYING: "Hopefully the Chinese government, now time has come to accept reality and try to find solution according to the reality. Whenever some crisis happens, just using violent suppression is actually outdated method.'' REPORTERS (SOUNDBITE) (English) DALAI LAMA SAYING: "As far as we know, at least a few hundred people (were) killed in different parts of Tibet after the 10th of March. Now at least a few thousand (are) arrested." WIDE NEWS CONFERENCE ROOM (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) DALAI LAMA SAYING: "Pure, political motivation through non-violent demonstration should not be described as criminal. I think it's very, very important to make clear distinction, and some respected lawyers should investigate." REPORTERS SITTING ON THE FLOOR (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) DALAI LAMA SAYING: "Autonomy? Just a name. Not sincerely implemented on the spot. Therefore, Tibetans (in) of all these different areas of autonomy feel resentment. So this crisis is an expression of their deep resentment. So therefore, they are seeking genuine autonomy, not seeking independence." PODIUM
- Embargoed: 26th April 2008 10:09
- Keywords:
- Location: Japan
- Country: Japan
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVA99A780QYYPR868W5HSEQ8UU1B
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: The Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, said on Thursday (April 10) that China's use of violence was an outdated way to suppress unrest in Tibet but expressed support for Beijing's hosting of the Olympics.
"Hopefully the Chinese government, now time has come to accept reality and try to find solution according to the reality. Whenever some crisis happens, just using violent suppression is actually outdated method,'' he told a news conference near Tokyo. Dalai Lama spoke to journalists during his stopover in Japan before heading to the United States.
China blames the Dalai Lama and his associates for orchestrating monk-led protests in Tibet last month that later turned violent as part of a campaign for independence.
The Dalai Lama denies involvement.
China last week said police had seized guns and explosives from Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and found evidence the Dalai Lama had supported an insurrection campaign by exiled Tibetan independence groups which included planned suicide attacks.
More than 900 people are also detained for suspicion of being involved in the violence.
"As far as we know, at least a few hundred people killed in different parts of Tibet after the 10th of March. Now at least a few thousand arrested," Dalai Lama said.
He also called for thorough investigations into the people being held in custody.
"Pure, political sort of motivation through non-violent demonstration should not be described as criminal. I think it's very, very important to make clear distinction, and some respected lawyers should investigate."
He stressed his call for greater autonomy rather than independence for Tibet.
"Autonomy? Just a name. Not sincerely implemented on the spot.
Therefore, Tibetans in all these areas of autonomy, full of resentment. So this crisis is an expression of their deep resentment. So therefore, we seeking genuine autonomy, not independence," said Dalai Lama.
He threw his support behind the Beijing Olympic Games despite the unrest in Tibet and pressure mounting on Western leaders to boycott the opening ceremony.
"I support Chinese the host of famous world game. Because China is the world's most populous nation, therefore it really deserve for the Chinese people, to make host of Olympic game. Now till today, despite of recent unfortunate event in Tibet, my position no change," he said.
The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule, spoke to reporters during a brief stopover in Japan on his way to the United States for a two-week visit he said was not political.
He said he had sent a message to Tibetans in San Francisco not to resort to violent protests against the Olympic torch relay there on Wednesday (April 9) although he admitted that even he could not tell them what they could and could not do.
The torch was a magnet last week for chaotic demonstrations in London and Paris and the torch's only stop in North America turned into a game of hide-and-seek as the San Francisco route was abruptly changed by city officials. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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