Merkel meets Dalai Lama despite Chinese protests   Reuters [Monday, September 24, 2007] German Chancellor Angela Merkel (C) and Hessen's State Premier Roland Koch (L) meet with the Dalai Lama in the chancellery in Berlin. Defying pressure from China, Merkel held an historic meeting with the Dalai Lama on Sunday, and gave support to the Buddhist leader's quest for cultural autonomy for Tibet.(AFP/Bundesregierung-HO/Guido Bergman) German Chancellor Angela Merkel met the Dalai Lama despite opposition from Beijing and concerns among German industry that the talks could harm trade ties with China. Ms Merkel met Tibet's exiled spiritual leader at the Chancellery in Berlin for what her spokesman said were "private, informal talks". The meeting took place despite China summoning Germany's ambassador in Beijing earlier this month to protest. "The Chancellor recognised the Dalai Lama as a religious leader and affirmed her support for his efforts to ensure Tibet's cultural identity, and for his policy of a non-violent quest for religious and cultural autonomy," her spokesman said. Germany had confirmed its adherence to a one-China policy ahead of the meeting, Ms Merkel's spokesman added. The German leader made an official visit to China last month. Critics of China's rule in Tibet say Beijing continues to repress Tibetan Buddhists' religious aspirations, especially their veneration for the Dalai Lama, whom China denounces as a "separatist". The spiritual leader says he only wants greater autonomy for the region. On the eve of the Berlin meeting, Germany said China had, for "technical reasons", cancelled separate talks with German officials including Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries. The talks had been due to take place in Munich. Last week, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said the Dalai Lama was "a political exile involved in activities aimed at splitting the motherland." The Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He remains highly popular among Tibetans.

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Last updated: 24-Sept-2007