Statements

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616 Thursday, February 18, 2010

Pelosi Statement on President Obamas Meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement following President Obamas meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama today:

I commend the President for meeting with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, a champion of peace and non-violence, and a voice for dignity, justice, and respect for all humanity. His Holiness is a source of wisdom and compassion, a powerful spokesman for the moral duty and inherent worth of every person, and a force for human rights across the globe.

President Obamas meeting with the Dalai Lama marks another chapter in the long friendship and close ties between the United States and the people of Tibet. As Americans, we must continue to stand with His Holiness to promote, preserve, and protect the rights of all people to live in freedom worldwide.

18 February 2010, Washington Post (blog)

Statement from the Press Secretary on the President' s meeting Thursday with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama:

"The President met this morning at the White House with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. The President stated his strong support for the preservation of Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans in the People's Republic of China. The President commended the Dalai Lama's "Middle Way" approach, his commitment to nonviolence and his pursuit of dialogue with the Chinese government. The President stressed that he has consistently encouraged both sides to engage in direct dialogue to resolve differences and was pleased to hear about the recent resumption of talks. The President and the Dalai Lama agreed on the importance of a positive and cooperative relationship between the United States and China."

11 February 2010, Washington, DC

Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and CEA Chair Christina Romer, 2/11/10
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

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Secondly, on February 18th, the President will meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The meeting will take place in the Map Room here at the White House. The Dalai Lama is an internationally respected religious leader and spokesman for Tibetan rights. And the President looks forward to an engaging and constructive dialogue.

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