Dalai Lama Arrives In Ise City To Fulfill Key Commitment

Ise, Japan, 17 November 2007 (Phayul) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Ise city in Western Japan's Mie Prefecture this afternoon.

His Holiness was welcomed at the Ise's Ujiyamada station by Mr. Iwana Hideki, Chairman of the Mie Prefectural Assembly and Mr Seishu Makino, former member of the lower House and founder of the Diet member's league for Tibetan issue. Members of Japanese Tibet Group were also present with Tibetan ceremonial scarves (Khata) to greet His Holiness.

His Holiness was accompanied by one of his former secretaries, Tenzin Geyche Tethong, his younger brother Ngari Rinpoche, Tokyo representative Mr Lhakpa Tshoko and other staff members of the Office of Tibet in Japan.

From the station, His Holiness headed for Kogakkan University where he was again welcomed by the university's Chairman Mr Chisato, President Mr Ban Isoshiro and Dean Mr Shimizu Kiyoshi.

His Holiness later briefed a group of media, including a team of visiting Tibetan journalists on the purpose of his visit to Ise and on his decision to participate in the religious harmony dialogue.

His Holiness said promotion of 'religious harmony' was one of his two main commitments. The other, he said, was promotion of human values.

During the press briefing, the Tibetan leader also reiterated his call for 'meaningful autonomy' with China. The Dalai Lama said that 'the whole world knows I am only seeking genuine autonomy' and not independence as Chinese authorities blatantly accuses him of.

'Chinese Government officials still continuously accuse me as a separatist