Brown promises to meet Dalai Lama

Gordon Brown has said he will meet Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama when he visits the UK.The prime minister has faced pressure from opponents to make the commitment after recent protests in Tibet.

During prime minister’s questions, he also said he had spoken to China’s premier on Wednesday morning and had urged an end to violence.

Tory leader David Cameron congratulated Mr Brown on reaching what he called the “right decision”.

The Dalai Lama has called for an end to the violence in Tibet and rejected accusations by China that he was responsible for the recent unrest.

‘Absolutely clear’

China says 13 people were killed by rioters in Lhasa. Tibetan exiles say 99 have died in clashes with authorities.

Mr Cameron said: “Does the prime minister agree that our relationship with China is vital… But we must be absolutely clear in telling the Chinese that this is unacceptable.”

Mr Brown said he had spoken to Chinese premier Wen, telling him “there must be an end to violence in Tibet”.

He added: “I also called for constraint and I called for an end to the violence by dialogue between the different parties.”

Mr Brown also said: “I will meet the Dalai Lama when he is in London.”

Mr Cameron replied: “Can I congratulate the prime minister on making the right decision… I congratulate him for doing the right thing.”

Mr Brown said: “We make the right decisions at all times.”

The protests began on 10 March - the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule - and have gradually escalated.

They come ahead of the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer.

BBC

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