Taiwan Prez not meeting Dalai Lama

Taipei, Aug 29: Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's would not be meeting the Dalai Lama, who would be visiting the country next week, declared the President's office on Saturday, Aug 29.

The Dalai Lama, branded as a separatist would arrive on Sunday, Aug 30 for a week-long visit to hold prayer sessions with the victims of Typhoon Morakot, the worst flood which, hit south Taiwan.

"We did not plan a meeting between the President and the Dalai Lama," said Tony Wang, a presidential office spokesman. "The reason why we approved the Dalai Lama's visit was based on religious and humanitarian considerations."

The presence of The Dalai Lama, who would come on the invitation of Taiwan's opposition may trigger the issues of he Tibet Autonomous Region and self-ruled Taiwan.

On Friday Aug 28, Beijing had warned Taiwan not to entertain the Dalai Lama.

China could react negatively if the Dalai uses Taiwan as a stage to promote democracy in Tibet, meets Tibet independence groups or makes any anti-Beijing remarks. However, China has assured that the Tibetan Leader's visit will not hamper China-Taiwan trade relations.

OneIndia News