Australia Tibet Council has issued the following media statement expressing disappointment at recent media reports and urging federal political leaders to meet with the Dalai Lama during his upcoming Australian Tour.

HOWARD AND RUDD URGED TO RESIST CHINESE PRESSURE, MEET DALAI LAMA
ATC Press Release - 16 May 2007

The Australia Tibet Council said today it was disappointed by media reports that Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd had decided not to meet the Dalai Lama when he visits Australia in early June.

“As a businessman, I understand the importance to the Australian economy of our relationship with China, and I’m acutely aware of the pressure which must be being brought to bear on Australian politicians not to meet the Dalai Lama”, said ATC Chairman George Farley.

“However, in business or politics, a mature relationship has to be based on mutual respect - you can’t have one party constantly bending to the wishes of the other. Australians overwhelmingly admire and support the Dalai Lama, and I hope that both Mr Howard and Mr Rudd will reflect their expectations by meeting with him.”

Mr Farley said that ATC had written to both political leaders urging them to meet the Tibetan leader, but had so far received no reply.