Sydney Morning Herald - US President Barack Obama has offered support for Tibet’s spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and his Himalayan homeland, defying Chinese anger by meeting the exiled monk at the White House. Despite careful US arrangements to keep his visit off-camera, the Dalai Lama walked out of the White House residence and straight to a large group of waiting reporters, telling them he was “very happy” with the 45-minute meeting.

“The President was… supportive,” the Dalai Lama said outside the West Wing of the White House, adding that his cause was “just” and one of “peace”. The Dalai Lama also drew a circle and two lines in the snow outside the White House press briefing room - a symbol that may have been a reference to the Tibetan flag.

Such unscripted movements are unusual for VIPs at the White House, but preparations for the Dalai Lama were anything but ordinary. Read full story at the Sydney Morning Herald