Obama refuses to meet Dalai Lama in Washington

16:34, October 12, 2009  

On October 5, the Dalai Lama started his five-day trip to the U.S. capital city of Washington. However, U.S. President Barack Obama has refused to meet with the Dalai Lama, breaking an 18 year tradition of the Dalai Lama meeting the U.S. president during his trip to Washington.

According to a report, Obama's move breaks a precedent - U.S. presidents used to meet with the Dalai Lama when he visits Washington. Obama's decision was conveyed to the Dalai Lama in September when Obama’s senior adviser Valerie Jarrett and State Department Undersecretary Maria Otero traveled to Dharamsala, India, to explain the administration's policy.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly disclosed that Maria Otero, State Department Undersecretary for democracy and security affairs, will meet with the Dalai Lama during his trip in Washington.

By People's Daily Online

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