By Sarah Wiley
THE Dalai Lama said today he wouldn’t mind if he could not meet Prime Minister John Howard, but gave Australia a tip about standing firm on human rights and democratic principles.
Mr Howard said today he would meet the Dalai Lama.
The exiled Buddhist spiritual leader said today the two main goals of his 11-day visit to Australia do not include meeting the Prime Minister.
“The main purpose of my visit here is to promote human value and to promote harmony,” the Dalai Lama told the National Press Club.
“I will be happy (if I can meet Mr Howard) but if not it doesn’t matter.”
He said the media appeared to be more concerned about whether the two leaders met than he was.
“In the last few days about the possible meeting with the Prime Minister, every news item always mentions that, in my mind it’s not that serious but in their mind it’s very serious,” he said.
The visit poses a diplomatic headache for a government eager not to upset a key trading partner like China, which last month warned foreign officials against meeting the exiled religious leader.
The Dalai Lama said any true friend of China should tell the country if it is making mistakes on issues such as human rights and democracy.
“China must be in the mainstream of world community,” he said.
“While you are making good relations, genuine friendship with China, there are certain principles such as human rights and also democracy…these things you should stand firm.
“So that means you are a true friend of China. Remain firm, tell them, not negatively, but friendly.”
