Slovenia minister meets Dalai Lama despite China

Thursday, April 08, 2010

AFP
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Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, arrives at a hotel in Zurich, Switzerland, Wednesday April 7, 2010. The Dalai Lama is on a five day visit in Switzerland. (AP Photo/Keystone/Walter Bieri)

MARIBOR , Slovenia-- A Slovenian minister held an unscheduled meeting with the Dalai Lama despite warnings by China of damage to ties, as the Tibetan spiritual leader wrapped up a three-day visit Wednesday.

Minister without portfolio Bostjan Zeks met the Dalai Lama in the second city of Maribor, although no talks with Slovenian authorities had initially been planned.

The Chinese embassy had warned that the visit could damage Slovenian relations with Beijing.

Local media and opposition leaders criticised Prime Minister Borut Pahor for not receiving the Dalai Lama, unlike his predecessor Janez Drnovsek and former President Milan Kucan, who ignored China’s protests in 2002.

On Tuesday, the Nobel peace prize laureate met opposition party leaders, including former premier Janez Jansa.

China claims that Tibet is an integral part of the country and that any meeting with him constitutes interference in its internal affairs.

The Dalai Lama was travelling to Switzerland next on his European tour.