Gibbs: Decision to delay Dalai Lama meeting was 'mutual'

[babylonsister]

Gibbs: Decision to delay Dalai Lama meeting was 'mutual'
By Tony Romm - 10/06/09 01:13 PM ET


White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday dismissed suggestions that the president opted not to meet with the Dalai Lama in order to appease China.

Although the Tibetan spiritual leader is in Washington today to meet with congressional leaders and accept a human rights award, President Barack Obama decided Monday not to meet with him -- making him the first president not to request the Dalai Lama during one of his Washington visits since 1991.

But in the day since that news broke, White House officials have played down their decision, insisting it was not an attempt to quiet the Dalai Lama's fierce critics ahead of Obama's meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in November.

"It's important the Tibetan people know that our strong relationship with China helps them," Gibbs said during Tuesday's press briefing, adding the decision to hold the meeting later this year was "mutual."

more...

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/61821-gibbs-decision-to-delay-dalai-lama-meeting-was-mutual

[depakid]

1. China holds a lot of cards these days...

Tibet does not.

[Lord Helmet]

2. but but but I read Obama does not heart Tibet!

[truebrit71]

3. I call bullshit...Lt AWOL can meet with him, but Obama won't???

WTF???