McCain to meet Dalai Lama in Aspen

[Liebling:-)))]

McCain to meet Dalai Lama in Aspen

Presidential candidate calls him a 'transcendent national role model'

WASHINGTON - Republican presidential candidate John McCain is scheduled to meet with the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, on Friday.

The two will meet in Aspen, Colorado, where the Dalai Lama plans to address a symposium on Tibetan culture and its impact on global issues, the McCain campaign said Thursday.

Campaigning in Columbus, Ohio, the Arizona senator said he had arranged Friday's meeting.

"I have been a great admirer of the Dalai Lama," McCain said. He called him a "transcendent national role model."

The Dalai Lama has been based in India since fleeing his Himalayan homeland in 1959 amid a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He remains immensely popular among Tibetans, despite persistent efforts by Beijing to demonize him.

China claims Tibet has been its territory for centuries, but many Tibetans say they were effectively independent for most of that period. The Dalai Lama insists he wants "real autonomy," not independence for Tibet.

The issue of Tibetan autonomy has attracted increased attention this year with China hosting the Summer Olympics. The Dalai Lama was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in October, in a ceremony attended by President George W. Bush.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to speak at the Aspen Institute, a nonprofit leadership organization, on Saturday.

McCain to meet Dalai Lama in Aspen - John McCain News - MSNBC.com

 

[Liebling:-)))]

Updated

McCain calls on China to free Tibetan prisoners

GOP candidate draws praise from Dalai Lama for his concern


ASPEN, Colo. - Republican presidential candidate John McCain on Friday called on China to release Tibetan prisoners as he met with the Dalai Lama.

After a 45-minute meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader, McCain said the Beijing Olympic Games in August provide an opportunity for China to demonstrate it recognizes human rights. He also said the Dalai Lama is merely seeking basic rights to preserve Tibetan culture, language and religion.

"That's why I'm so disappointed by repeated statements by Chinese officials that ascribe to the Dalai Lama views and actions divorced from what he actually represents. Such rhetoric doesn't serve a cause of peaceful change and reconciliation," McCain said.

"I urge the Chinese government to release Tibetan political prisoners, account for Tibetans who have, quote, 'disappeared' since protests in March, and engage in meaningful dialogue on genuine autonomy for Tibet," McCain said.

The Tibetan spiritual leader was in Aspen for a symposium sponsored by The Aspen Institute think tank. McCain met with him while his rival, Democrat Barack Obama, was on high-profile trip through Europe and the Middle East.

The Dalai Lama praised McCain for his concern, but he emphasized he wasn't endorsing McCain's presidential bid.

Seeking autonomy

The Dalai Lama is seeking support from world leaders for upcoming talks with China once the Olympics are over. He says he wants autonomy, not independence, for Tibet.

China claims Tibet has been its territory for centuries.

"His Holiness represents the profound desire of millions of Tibetans for basic dignity and human rights. His nonviolence approach and his lifelong work seeking common ground across cultural and religious divides are an inspiration to all of mankind and to millions of Americans," McCain said as the Dalai Lama clutched McCain's hands.

McCain urges China to free Tibetans - John McCain News - MSNBC.com


McCain whines about Obama's oversea trip... Look this... :roll:

 

[Hwy99]

I am glad to hear that McCain support Tibet. China is doing the war crime against Tibet..

 

[Reba]

McCain whines about Obama's oversea trip... Look this... :roll:

??? Look at what? I don't see McCain whining about Obama in that story.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

??? Look at what? I don't see McCain whining about Obama in that story.

Please quit to twist my post when you know an exactly what I am talking about and also links from other threads. Everyone know McCain whines over Obama´s oversea trip.