Ann Arbor (US): The Dalai Lama has said he understands the sentiments of those protesting the upcoming Olympics in China to draw attention to the country's human rights record. But the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said he has been sorry to see some of those demonstrations turn violent.

"Demonstration is a way of expressing what you are feeling," he said yesterday during a news conference to begin his weekend visit to Ann Arbor. "In a purely nonviolent way, that demonstration is right." Some have expressed concern that the Dalai Lama's message of nonviolence might compete for attention with recent unrest in Tibet, as well as the protests that have followed the Olympic torch's passage to China.

Thousands are expected at the city's Crisler Arena to see the Dalai Lama, who is scheduled to give a lecture on sustainability tomorrow. He said he was not speaking as an expert: "I am speaking on the issue mainly as a human being." The Dalai Lama will also lead formal Buddhist teaching sessions today and tomorrow.

Source : PTI