Washington: Amid the raging Tibet issue, the Dalai Lama has arrived in the United States for a visit which is expected to draw much international attention, to the dislike of China, for his quest for "genuine" autonomy and preservation of the unique Tibetan culture.

The exiled 72-year-old saffron-clad Buddhist leader flew into Seattle yesterday to lead a five-day conference on compassion that begins today in the western coastal city of Washington state.

The Dalai Lama, on a 13-day visit, said he supports non- violent demonstrations but was saddened by recent protests against the Beijing Olympic torch in London, Paris and San Francisco, where authorities often had to break or reroute the flame after human rights activists scuffled with pro-Chinese crowds.
 
This is the Dalai Lama's first visit to the US since the turmoil erupted in mid-March in Lhasa against the Chinese rule in Tibet. Organisers of the five-day 'Seeds of Compassion' conference in Seattle say the Dalai Lama's visit is expected to draw over 150,000 people, AP reported.

The conference will feature dozens of workshops on various subjects, beginning with a panel discussion with the Dalai Lama on "The Scientific Basis for Compassion: What We Know Now." Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels is expected to present the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize laureate with a key to the city, and University of Washington will present him an honorary degree.

Earlier yesterday, during a stopover in Japan, the Dalai Lama said he has always supported China's hosting of the Olympic Games, but said Beijing cannot suppress protests in Tibet with violence or tell those calling for more freedom in his homeland "to shut up."

Source : PTI