Washington: Top Congressional leaders on Wednesday met Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, reaffirming their support to the Tibetan cause.
"I remain concerned about religious freedom, cultural freedom and human rights for Tibetans, and believe these issues should be an important part of our discussions with China," Senator Harry Reid said after his meeting with the Dalai Lama.
The Tibetan spiritual leader is currently on a week-long trip to Washington, during which he has been meeting top Congressional leaders. However, he would be meeting US President Barack Obama only after his visit to China next month.
Reid said the two leaders discussed many important issues including the current situation in Tibet. "The Dalai Lama is a symbol of peace and hope for so many around the world and his work on behalf of the people of Tibet continues to be a source of inspiration for his countrymen," he said.
The Tibetan spiritual leader also met the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during which they discussed a wide range of issues including the Dalai Lama`s tireless efforts to forge reconciliation with China and advance the human rights of Tibetans through peaceful dialogue.
"We also discussed global issues, including the threat climate change poses not only to the people of Tibet, but also to the three billion people who live in lands watered by the seven great rivers of Asia that rise in Tibet – the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, the Irrawaddy, the Salween, the Mekong, the Yangtze, and the Yellow River," said Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"Today the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama, continuing a close relationship that goes back more than two decades. I am honoured to exchange views with this Nobel Peace Prize winner. He will always be welcome here," Kerry said.
Bureau Report
