US No. 2 diplomat meets His Holiness for talks
Saturday, 20 October 2007, 9:00 a.m.
Washington: The Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte met with the Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Friday.
The leaders discussed the situation in Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s work on behalf of his followers, said Rob McInturff, a State Department spokesman.
China is furious over the U.S. Congress’ award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama of its highest civilian honor, personally bestowed by President George W. Bush in a ceremony Wednesday.
China is demanding Washington stop supporting the Buddhist monk and that it act to repair ties.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is considered a figure of moral authority in much of the world. His Holiness has reiterated in Washington that he wants “real autonomy” for Tibet, not independence.
–Associated Press
