Chinese ambassador calls Dalai Lama 'serial liar'

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Agencies

Posted online: Friday , March 28, 2008 at 08:12:43
Updated: Friday , March 28, 2008 at 08:35:42

Ottawa, March 28: China's ambassador to Canada has said the Dalai Lama is a ‘serial liar’ and those who attack China's record on human rights are being irresponsible.

"The Dalai Lama has been telling lies to the world for decades," Shumin told journalists at the Chinese Embassy.

Shumin showed journalists a video that provides glimpses of violent street demonstrations in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa and said that they had to be suppressed.

The ambassador accused the Tibetan spiritual leader of "pretending to be a peaceful, like an angel-type of figure."

But, he added, "What has happened in Tibet was instigated by separatist groups led by Dalai Lama clique."

"Any remarks made accusing China of so called human rights suppression, I consider that irresponsible and inappropriate and it's interference in China's internal issues," he added.

Shumin shrugged off talk that some government officials from western countries could boycott the Olympic opening ceremonies as a result of the crackdown, saying no one has yet confirmed their attendance.

But he said politicising the Games goes against the Olympic spirit and should not happen.

His torrent of criticism came as world leaders press Beijing for restraint in the violence in Tibet that, according to Tibet's government-in-exile, has claimed 140 lives, as well as the need for consultation with representatives of the Dalai Lama.

Shumin also likened Tibet's traditional governance to Nazi Germany. He claimed that prior to China's takeover, Tibet resembled "medieval Europe" and cited a 1939 trip to the mountainous enclave by a Nazi official who, he said, found much in common with the Tibetan system of governance.

On Thursday US President George W Bush had expressed concern about Tibet in a phone call to Chinese President Hu Jintao.

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