MOSCOW, April 26 – Moscow is willing to consider a possible visit by the Dalai Lama to Russia.
“Russian Buddhists have made another request for a visit by the Dalai Lama. The request is under consideration, but no decision has been made yet,” Russian Ambassador to China Igor Rogachyov told a press conference at the Interfax main office on Monday.
Russia faces a dilemma on this issue, the ambassador said.
“On the one hand, we have to take the feelings of Russian Buddhists into consideration, and on the other hand, we strongly object to the political activities of the Dalai Lama. He will be barred from Moscow, at any rate,” Rogachyov said.
Rogachyov referred to numerous meetings between the Dalai Lama and foreign leaders and statements on the situation in China as a proof of his political activities.
“Even if he is permitted to visit Russia, the meetings must be limited to religious leaders only,” Rogachyov said. Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama wants and will insist on meetings with the heads of republics where Buddhism is developed [Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva],” he said.
“Our position was, is and will remain invariable – Tibet is a part of the People’s Republic of China,” he said.
