China urges Obama to cancel Dalai Lama meeting
13:56, 12 February 2010
BEIJING. February 12. KAZINFORM. China urged U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday to withdraw his decision to meet with the Dalai Lama next week; Kazinform refers to Itar-Tass.
The meeting with the Tiberian spiritual leader shall be cancelled "so as not to cause further damage to Sino-U.S. relations," foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement.
"We urge the U.S. side to fully understand the high sensitivity of Tibet-related issues, honor its commitment to recognizing Tibet as part of China," Ma said.
Foreign ministry's remarks came hours after Washington announced Obama would meet the Dalai Lama at the White House on Feb. 18; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass.