From Philly.com:
SAfrica peace conference postponed over Dalai Lama
“Organizers shelved a peace conference meant to show how sports can bring people and nations together because South Africa’s government , fearing trouble with China , won’t allow the Dalai Lama to attend.
South Africa’s soccer officials and a grandson of Nelson Mandela, who were putting Friday’s conference together, announced Tuesday it was postponed indefinitely because the Dalai Lama had been barred.
The conference had been in doubt since South Africa’s government said a day earlier the Dalai Lama was not welcome, prompting condemnation and a boycott by retired Cape Town Archbishop Desmond Tutu and others.
(snip)
Tibet’s government-in-exile said South Africa was acting under pressure from China, but South Africa’s government denied it. South Africa is China’s largest African trading partner.
(snip)
Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s grandson and a member of the conference organizing committee, told reporters Tuesday he wanted the Dalai Lama there when the conference is held. Barring a leader of the Dalai Lama’s stature, the younger Mandela said, “is really worrying and saddening. Where are we headed in the future?”
“I don’t think as a sovereign country we need to succumb to international pressures,” he added, referring to criticism that South Africa acted to placate China.”
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Several years ago I was fortunate to hear the Dalai Lama give a speech. He was an amazing speaker. Despite the injustice that has happened in Tibet he remained hopeful. The man just radiated happiness and his smile was infectious. He was certainly an inspiration to me.
I was especially impressed by how cheerful he was. You know how the popes always seem so serious in their speeches? When the Dalai Lama was on stage he was making cute little jokes and waving to the monks in the first few rows. He seemed like a really cool guy. That’s the kind of vibe spiritual leaders should have I think.
Posted by Vixen as News at 11:03 PM CDT