Dalai Lama calls on Italy to back Tibetan autonomy

Tibetan exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama called on Italy Thursday to support Tibet in its bid for autonomy, in a speech to Italian parliament members. “We do not want independence for Tibet, but

Dalai Lama: China Hardening on Tibet

The Dalai Lama said Thursday that China is taking an increasingly harsh stance on Tibet and he appealed for international help during a visit to Rome.

Dalai Lama in Rome

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, right, gestures as Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni, left, looks on during the annual summit of Nobel Peace Prize winners, Rome Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. “Our right hand has always reached out to the Chinese government,” the Dalai Lama said. “That hand has always remained empty, so with our left hand we appeal to you: help us.” China condemned the visit by the Dalai Lama to Rome, saying Thursday it opposed any country supporting or sympathizing with the exiled spiritual leader. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)