By Andrew Woodcock,
Political Correspondent, PA News
Tony Blair was today accused of “snubbing” the Dalai Lama after turning down an opportunity to meet the Tibetan spiritual leader during his visit to London in May.
The Tibet Society said that, in the context of the global fight against terrorism, the Prime Minister should take the opportunity to support a man who has always urged his followers to use peaceful means in the struggle for their independence.
But Downing Street said that Mr Blair had declined the request for a meeting purely because of “diary pressures”.
Philippa Carrick, chief executive of The Tibet Society, said: “The Dalai Lama deserves better than Tony Blair’s feeble fob-off response.
“Tibet’s spiritual leader has set a model of peaceful governance that should be applauded, not shunned.
“At this critical time for the world community, we must be seen to support those who don’t resort to terrorism to fight for their human rights. Otherwise, what alternative is there to violence?
“If we ignore Tibet, we further the cause of global terror.”
A Tibet Society spokesman added: “Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell told the Chinese Government in December 2003 that talking with the Dalai Lama’s representatives was “the best way forward” to resolve the Tibet issue. But if Tony Blair chooses to snub the Dalai Lama, why should the Chinese listen?”
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister gets lots of requests for meetings, but because of diary pressures this one isn’t possible on this occasion.”
The Dalai Lama, who has led the campaign for Tibetan independence from China since fleeing into exile in 1959, is due to speak in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dunfermline during his visit to the UK from May 28 to June 3.
