Forwarded to WTN News by sonamt@earthlight.co.nz

Dunedin, NZ (ODT) 4 June 1996 - Editorial

WE TRUST THE call by the Chinese Government for New Zealand to refuse entry to the Dalai Lama will receive the contempt it deserves. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of association are allowed principles in this country. In the People's Republic of China, sad to say, at this stage they are not.

The Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace laureate and long-time bearer of the message of peaceful coexistence, is due to visit New Zealand in September. When he last came, in 1992, this mild-manner, charismatic optimist drew audiences of thousands. In Dunedin alone, more than 4,000 people overflowed the Town Hall, many young people among them. We noted at the time how this popularity, demonstrated a continuing desire for leadership which emphasised tolerance and understanding.

Today, around the world - as witness recent events in Germany, where strained relationships over a government invitation to the Dalai Lama to set up a Tibetan government in exile there forced cancellation of an official visit to China that popularity continues.

We commend it to the leaders of China, a nation which has treated the Dalai Lama and his people most disgracefully.