Brown fuels controversy with Dalai Lama meeting

Gordon Brown meets Dalai Lama at Lambeth Palace

Saturday, 24, May 2008 12:00

Gordon Brown has denied the significance of the location of his meeting with the Dalai Lama on Friday.

Mr Brown met the exiled leader of Tibet's Buddhists at the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Palace.

Criticism has been leveled at the British prime minister for receiving the Dalai Lama in a religious capacity rather than a political one, given his central role in opposing China's oppression of dissent in Tibet.

Mr Brown told the foreign affairs committee that the venue was not a significant factor of the meeting.

"For me - no differences. So long as meeting and talk - that is important. I always meet on the level we are human beings," he said.

However, some have argued that Mr Brown chose the location to avoid offending Chinese officials whom he hopes cooperation with will lead to "tens of thousands of jobs" in Britain.

The Dalai Lama had said that he planned to use the engagement with Mr Brown to encourage his government to launch an independent inquiry into human rights abuses in Tibet.

"One thing I find very painful. When they arrest - severe torture before asking questions," the Dalai Lama said of the situation in his homeland.

China's treatment of protesters in Tibet has put a spotlight of scrutiny on the nation in the year that it is due to host the Beijing Olympic Games 2008.

However, the Dalai Lama has backed China's staging of the games, noting that the economic progress it is likely to bring to the nation would also be in the interests of the Tibetan people.

The Dalai Lama poignantly added: "Economy is important but human values are more important. Human issue more important."