'Old friend' McCain chides China in Dalai Lama visit
By Curtis Wackerle, Aspen Daily News
Published July 26, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
China must release all Tibetan political prisoners and account for the disappearance of protesters after last spring's uprising, Sen. John McCain said after meeting with the Dalai Lama on Friday.
Next month's Beijing Olympics must be a time for China to demonstrate to the world its commitment to "basic human rights," said McCain, who called on China and Tibet to engage in a "meaningful dialogue on genuine autonomy for Tibet."
McCain also referenced the disappearance of people after the conflict in Tibet in March where Chinese troops arrested hundreds and killed dozens who had taken to the streets to mark the 49th anniversary of an uprising against the Chinese occupation.
China must account for those who are still unaccounted for, and release all other political prisoners, McCain said.
McCain and the Tibetan spiritual leader met privately for about 40 minutes in the home of Noelle and Cecil Hernandez in Aspen's West End. After the meeting, the two men made brief statements to a pool of about a dozen reporters who had gathered at the home.
The Dalai Lama wants only autonomy and cultural and religious freedom from China, not outright independence, McCain said.
"That's why I'm so disappointed by repeated statements from Chinese officials ascribing to the Dalai Lama views and actions (different) from what he actually represents," McCain said. "Such rhetoric doesn't serve the cause of peaceful change and reconciliation."
The Dalai Lama described McCain as an "old friend."
"He's shown genuine concern about democracy, human rights and the environment in China in general and particularly in Tibet," the Dalai Lama said, grasping McCain's hand.
McCain was careful to say that he in no way considered the Dalai Lama's praise an official endorsement.
The Dalai Lama "represents the profound desire of millions of Tibetans for basic dignity and human rights. His nonviolence approach and his lifelong work seeking common ground across cultural and religious divides are an inspiration to all of mankind and to millions of Americans," McCain said.
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July 26, 2008
4:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
SL10 writes:
Large Marge, McCain shows his true colors. Eh?