No Dalai Lama visit, says 'professional assessment' by Taiwan's relevant organs
CNA and Staff Reporter 2012-11-24 15:31
Former vice president Annette Lu, center, on Friday protests the decision to deny a proposed visit by the spiritual leader. (Photo/Chang Kai-i)
Taiwan's decision to turn down a proposed visit in December by exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama was based on a "professional assessment" by the relevant authorities, a Presidential Office official said Friday.
The official, who declined to be named, did not further elaborate on the government's assessment, but said Taiwan is a supporter of religious freedom and welcomes religious leaders from around the world to visit the island for faith-related activities.
The official's remarks were a response to criticisms from opposition Democratic Progressive Party politicians, who accused President Ma Ying-jeou of blocking the Dalai Lama's visit due to pressure from Beijing.
The Dalai Lama had been invited to give a keynote speech at the 2012 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) scheduled to be held Dec. 1-3 in Taipei, according to former vice president Annette Lu, who is founding president of BPW Taiwan.
Freda Miriklis, president of BPW International, wrote to Ma on Aug. 28 and Sept. 1 to request the government to permit the Dalai Lama's visit, but was turned down on Nov. 16 with a letter from the foreign ministry, saying that arrangements need to be made for the Tibetan leader to visit "at a more appropriate time."
DPP Chairman Su Tseng-chang said it is "very unreasonable and impolite" for the ministry to reject the Dalai Lama using timing as an excuse, arguing that human rights know no borders or time limits.
An official with the office of the Dalai Lama said the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader will only visit Taiwan "when it is convenient."
Tsegyam Ngaba, secretary-general to the Dalai Lama's office, said his overseas trips are based on the principles of "not causing inconvenience to the host governments" and "when time permits."
The Dalai Lama last visited Taiwan in 2009 in the wake of Typhoon Morakot, which brought massive destruction to southern Taiwan in August that year, killing around 700 people. He previously visited in 1997 and again in 2001.
