His Holiness the Dalai Lama reaffirms support for Beijing Olympics

Thursday, 10 April 2008, 4:49 p.m.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Japan (AFP)

Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today reiterated his support for China's right to host the Olympic Games.

"I support the Chinese host for the world game because China is the most populous nation, ancient nation," His Holiness told reporters near Tokyo's international airport.

His Holiness said China really deserve the Olympics, adding, in spite of the unfortunate event in Tibet, his position has not changed.

In his address to the Tibetan people on 6 April in Dharamshala, His Holiness said the Tibetans should not cause any hindrance to the Games, adding, however that it is the legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights.

The Kashag has appealed to all quarters of the Tibetan Diaspora to desist from any kind of violent methods, particularly to respect the law of host country and to ensure that the sentiments of the people of this nation are not hurt by our actions when the Olympic Torch relay passes through India on April 17, 2008.

His Holiness is expected to address a conference today to be organised by the Tokyo-based Office of Tibet.

President Bush urges China for talks

President George W Bush and senior minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong on Wednesday called on China to open a dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to end the unrest in Tibet.

Bush said: "It would stand the Chinese government in good stead if they would, you know, begin a dialogue with the representatives for the Dalai Lama. They'll find if they ever were to reach out to the Dalai Lama they'd find him to be a really fine man, a peaceful man."