By Estelle Shirbon
ROME – Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Wednesday encouraged the international community to “make good friends” with China, saying it would be the best way to help the Tibetan cause. Asked at a news conference in Rome whether he felt foreign countries were being too soft with China over its treatment of Tibet, the Dalai Lama said he believed good relations with China were in fact helpful.
“China is very important politically and economically. It must not be isolated. It must be brought into the mainstream international community,” said the crimson-robed Buddhist monk.
“Making good friends with China is very important. Within that friendship certain principles like human rights and democracy (in Tibet) can be raised.”
Some human rights groups accuse Western governments, lured by China’s economic promise, of brushing awkward issues like Tibet under the carpet in their dealings with Beijing.
Chinese troops imposed Communist rule on Tibet in 1950 and the Dalai Lama fled nine years later after a failed uprising against them. China claims Tibet as part of its territory and accuses the religious leader of separatist activities.
The Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, says he merely wants greater autonomy for his homeland. He has accused China of carrying out “cultural genocide” in Tibet.
Relations between the Chinese authorities and the Tibetan figurehead have appeared to thaw. In the past year and half, China has allowed his elder brother to visit Tibet and officials have hosted two trips by the Dalai Lama’s personal envoys.
However, China objects to governments talking to the Dalai Lama and in September it protested when President George Bush hosted him in Washington. The same month, Russia banned him from visiting, for fear of damaging ties with Beijing.
In Italy, his visit has stirred debate because no meeting has yet been planned with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Lawmakers have urged Berlusconi to see the Dalai Lama, saying there was widespread support for him in parliament.
The spiritual leader himself shrugged off the controversy: “I’m not concerned. I do not want to create any embarrassment.”
The indefatigable 68-year-old, based in India and lionised in the West, travels the world preaching to fervent crowds about spiritual values as well as meeting heads of state.
