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                 Dalai Lama to Lead Opening Prayer in US Senate

   by VOA News

   Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will lead the
   traditional opening prayer Thursday morning in the U.S. Senate.
   This is the first time the Dalai Lama has led the prayer, even though
   he has visited the Capitol many times.
   The Dalai Lama has been touring the United States and met with
   President Barack Obama in the White House last month despite China's
   objections.
   The president repeated his strong support for Tibet's religious,
   cultural and linguistic traditions. The Dalai Lama said he is not
   seeking Tibetan independence from China and wants to resume a dialogue
   with Chinese leaders.
   China warned the United States there would be serious diplomatic
   consequences if the meeting took place, but nothing has happened.
   China accuses the Dalai Lama of using religion as a cloak to engage in
   separatist activities. It also has accused him of encouraging Tibetan
   separatists to set themselves on fire as a protest. The Dalai Lama has
   always denied the charge..
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/dalai-lama-to-lead-opening-prayer-in-
   us-senate/1865242.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/dalai-lama-to-lead-opening-prayer-in-us-senate/1865242.html