16 June 2008
Dalai Lama in Australia
(AFP; ATC; Phayul) The Dalai Lama left Australia after a five-day visit, during which he met the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, who represented Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who was in Tokyo on an official visit. Mr Rudd denied snubbing the Dalai Lama, and told a news conference that he was ready to meet the Tibetan spiritual leader in the future. Mr Evans described his discussions with the Dalai Lama as open and instructive. He said he conveyed the Australian Government's enthusiasm for continued talks between Chinese officials and envoys of the Dalai Lama. During his Australian trip, the Dalai Lama gave teachings, attended by 6,000 people, and a public talk attended by 4,500. He also spoke with 200 members of Australia’s Chinese community, 600 members of Australia’s Tibetan and Mongolian communities, 200 Australian and Chinese journalists and 120 influential Australians including 12 Federal Parliamentarians.