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Dalai Lama appeals for Britain not to forget Tibet

21/05/2008

The Dalai Lama has appealed for Britain not to forget his native Tibet during efforts to develop stronger relations with China.

At a news conference in Westminster today the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader refused to be drawn on the criticism aimed at prime minister Gordon Brown for not meeting with him in Downing Street.

He claimed that his trip to London had always been planned as a "non-political" visit.

"Basically, my visit is non-political. The media has politicised it," he said.

He also acknowledged that while building economic relations was important for Britain, commitments to international human rights should not be ignored.

"The economy is important, but human values are more important. Human issues like human rights," he told reporters today.

"While you are making close relationship in the business field, there is no point in forgetting about principles. I think that is very important."

The Dalai Lama praised Gordon Brown for his "genuine concern" regarding the situation in Tibet.

The Associated Press news agency claims that the spiritual leader even hinted he may be prepared to attend the Beijing Olympics in August.

China has come under considerable international criticism for its handling of the recent unrest in Tibet.