Dalai Lama wanted 'to show an old friend's face'

[July 18, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Dalai Lama is defending his weekend visit with President Barack Obama, saying he was gratified "to show an old friend's face."

The Chinese government slammed the administration for the meeting Obama had with the Tibetan spiritual leader on Saturday, saying it would damage Chinese-American relations.

But in an interview broadcast Monday on NBC's "Today" show, the Dalai Lama said he considered it his duty to meet with the president "to show my respect."

"We really have a feeling of reunion," he said.

China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist intent on ending Chinese rule over Tibet. Obama over the weekend reinforced with the Dalai Lama that the United States doesn't support Tibetan independence.

The Dalai Lama also urged Americans not to get discouraged by the protracted debate over the national debt.

[Associated Press]

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