DHARMSHALA: Chancellor Werner Faymann of Austria defended his decision to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama during His Holiness’ visit to Vienna earlier in May this year and said he would decide who to meet.

“I answer the question of whom I meet myself” said Chancellor Werner Fayman, dismissing Chinese government’s objections towards his meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 26 May 2012.

Calling their meeting “a clear political signal for human rights, non-violence and dialogue and against oppression,” Chancellor Faymann said he was personally interested in meeting such an “eminent figure”.

“Austria is a country which has always shown itself to be on the side of human rights, and I alone am responsible for my agenda.” he further stated, responding to the press, regarding objections lodged by the Chinese embassy in Vienna.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has made an 11 day visit to Austria in May this year where he met Chancellor Fayman among many other noted individuals.

Earlier, China has also raised objections about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg of the United Kingdom after His Holiness the Dalai Lama was conferred the 2012 Templeton award at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.