US Congressional leadership rallies behind Dalai Lama
From Lalit K Jha, July 8, 2011
Washington (PTI) -- Shunning strong protest coming from China, US Congressional leadership, cutting across party lines rallied behind Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to greet him at at the Capitol Hill in apparent hints to the White House not to ignore top Buddhist monk.
But the Obama Administration � in terms of the White House and the State Department -- continues to mull as to who should meet the Dalai Lama, who is currently on a 11-day visit to America in connection with his 76 thbirthday celebrations.
A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it is her understanding that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is unlikely to meet the Dalai Lama.
There was no word from the White House either on this issue.
"I think, the question is, who in the administration beyond Mario Otero, if any one, should appropriately see the Dalai Lama continues to be considered," the official said.
Otero is the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs and also designated as Special US Coordinator for Tibet.
She met with the Dalai Lama on his arrival on Tuesday, during which she discussed with him the strong US support for the preservation of Tibet''s unique religious, cultural, and linguistic identity, and the protection of human rights in China.
Another diplomatic source said it is unlikely that the Dalai Lama would meet US President Barack Obama and he has not sought a meeting with him. The reason being he has resigned from the Tibetan political leadership and is here in mainly his spiritual and religious capacity.
However, there was increasing support for the Dalai Lama at the Capitol Hill where leaders of both the Republican and Democratic parties met the Tibetan spiritual leader.
"It''s truly an honour and a privilege to welcome the Dalai Lama to the United States Capitol. The bond between the Dalai Lama and the American people has been strong for so long that it''s no surprise that he � his visits are highly anticipated, and I think rightly so," John Boehner, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said after meeting the Dalai Lama.
"Wherever he goes the Dalai Lama makes his tireless dedications to the values that we all cherish. He makes them apparent and he makes it a bit contagious.
His example humbles nations such as ours that work to spread freedom, tolerance and respect for human dignity, and it sustains those who struggle to secure these universal values for themselves and for their families."
