Asia-Pacific News
Obama to host Dalai Lama at White House
Jul 15, 2011, 23:53 GMT
Washington - US President Barack Obama will host the Dalai Lama at the White House on Saturday, a meeting certain to draw a sharp rebuke from China.
Obama last met with Tibet's spiritual leader in February, after the White House had delayed a meeting scheduled months earlier. Meetings between the US presidents and the exiled Dalai Lama typically prompt denouncements from Beijing. The meeting will be behind closed doors.
'This meeting underscores the president's strong support for the preservation of Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans,' the White House said in a statement Friday night.
'The president will highlight his enduring support for dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese government to resolve differences,' the White House added.
The Chinese government views the Dalai Lama as the key figure advocating Tibet's independence, and resents meetings between him and other world leaders.
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