13. Sep 2009
President Obama sends delegation to Dharamsala
(Phayul) US President Barack Obama's emissary, Valerie Jarrett, called on the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala. Jarrett discussed with the Dalai Lama the best way the US could assist in the resolution for the Tibetan issue, particularly in the light of the first visit by President Obama to China in November. The delegation was led by Ms Jarrett, the Senior Advisor and Assistant to the US President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, and also present was Maria Otero, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Ms. Jarrett personally conveyed the commitment of President Obama "to support the Tibetan people in protecting their distinct religious, linguistic, and cultural heritage and securing respect for their human rights and civil liberties" as well as the US President's commendation for the Dalai Lama's consistency in seeking genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the People's Republic of China (PRC) through his middle way approach. In a statement, the Dalai Lama's office said that President Obama and the Dalai Lama would meet in Washington, DC, after the US-China Summit in November.