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“Don’t disrupt Olympics relay”

LONDON: The Dalai Lama, who is here on what he described as a “non-political” visit, has appealed to Tibetans not to disrupt the Olympic torch relay. Reiterating his support for the upcoming Beijing Olympics, he said: “I appeal particularly to [people] inside Tibet to not disturb...the torch. I made it clear right from the beginning that we fully support the Olympic Games. The Olympic torch is part of that. We must respect, we must protect that.”

The Dalai Lama, who addressed British MPs on Wednesday, avoided making any political comment. He refused to be drawn into the controversy over Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s decision not to invite him to Downing Street for talks. Instead, the two will meet him at Lambeth Palace, the official London residence of Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mr. Brown has been accused of trying to “appease” the Chinese government but the Dalai Lama said the media was “politicising” the issue.

After addressing Parliament, the Dalai Lama said: “Basically, my visit is non-political. The media politicises. Of course, during our meeting I will express my appreciation that the Prime Minister is showing genuine concern for Tibet — so I want to express my thanks.”

Mr. Brown’s spokesman sought to play down the row saying: “As far as we are concerned, the issue here is the substance of the meeting and the fact that the meeting is taking place at all. On the previous two occasions the Dalai Lama came to the U.K., he didn’t meet the then Prime Minister at all.”

Rival groups have threatened protests during the Dalai Lama’s 10-day visit.

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