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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Peace Meeting Called Off Over Dalai Lama Ban

South Africa stands firm as Nobel winner Tutu, others protest

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(Newser) – South Africa’s decision to bar the Dalai Lama from entering the country has scuttled this week’s scheduled conference for Nobel laureates, the BBC reports. Laureates were to discuss how next year’s soccer World Cup could fight racism and xenophobia, but homegrown winners Desmond Tutu and FW de Klerk pulled the plug when the government, under Chinese pressure, refused to give the Tibetan leader a visa.

Tutu called the ban “disgraceful,” and local media largely agreed. But the government stands by its decision, said a spokesman. “Nothing is going to change. The Dalai Lama will not be invited to South Africa.” The chairman of South Africa’s World Cup organizing committee said the conference had been postponed, and the Dalai Lama “persuaded” to put off his visit until after the tournament.

In this 1996 file photo, the Dalai Lama greets Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa.
In this 1996 file photo, the Dalai Lama greets Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa.   (AP Photo)
In this 1996 file photo, the Dalai Lama meets with President Nelson Mandela in Cape Town, South Africa.
In this 1996 file photo, the Dalai Lama meets with President Nelson Mandela in Cape Town, South Africa.   (AP Photo)
The Dalai Lama, is silhouetted as he delivers religious teachings at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, March 11, 2009.
The Dalai Lama, is silhouetted as he delivers religious teachings at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, March 11, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama delivers religious teachings at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, March 11, 2009.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama delivers religious teachings at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, March 11, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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4 comments
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woody66
Mar 24, 09 9:57 AM CDT
Money talks...and seems to trump priciple at every turn. The Dalai Lama is as close to a modern day Mahatma Ghandi as you can get, yet the South Africans refuse him entry beacuse he speaks out in a peaceful way against the Chinese ? This is political cowardice to an extreme. The Chinese are in S Africa for copper and other natural resources plain and simple. It's in their self interest to invest in S Africa. They will not back off over the Dalai Lama visiting believe me and may actually gain some respect for the Johannesburg goverment if they show some courage. Reply
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Newser001
Mar 24, 09 10:10 AM CDT
Of all the places on this Earth, South Africa succumbs to China's whims... I am dumbfounded by such blatant presumptuous posturing; simply egregious. Without question, inexcusable. Reply
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SPH
Mar 24, 09 12:22 PM CDT
To paraphrase an old song..."what if they held a Peace meeting and nobody came?"....... Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Mad
Mar 24, 09 2:13 PM CDT
Righteous, SPH!
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