wfn.org | Dalai Lama snubbed by South African President at Parliament of World

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

Religions

30 November 1999

Cape Town - South African President Thabo Mbeki has refused to meet the
Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Bhuddism, who is in Cape Town for
the meetings of the Third Parliament of World Religions.

According to reliable press reports, Mr Mbeki was pressured into his
decision by visiting Chinese official Li Peng. China, which has occupied
Tibet since the early 1950's, is seen as a potentially valuable market for
South African exports. Bishop Desmon Tutu, former Archbishop of Cape Town
has expressed his regret at the decision, pointing out that, when he was
President, Nelson Mandela met the Dalai Lama in private.

Tutu's successor, Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane has, meanwhile, welcomed
delegates of all faiths to South Africa's "Mother City". In an interview,
published in Vukani, a supplement to the city's morning newspaper, the Cape
Times, the Archbishop said: "We need an inter-disciplinary approach to the
issues that face us today. A coming together of people is something to be
valued, especially from faith groups who are custodians of moral values".
An AIDS Memorial Quilt will be unveiled as part of the Parliament's opening
ceremonies on 1 December - International AIDS Awareness Day.
A controversial painting titled "Black Christ" will be displayed in St
Mark's Church in District Six, where many of the Parliament's meetings will
be held. The Christ figure which is flanked by two Roman centurions has the
features of Chief Albert Luthuli, former President of the African National
Congress who was South Africa's first Nobel Peace Prize winner. The faces
of the centurions have the features of the then Prime Minister of South
African, Dr Hendrik Verwoerd, and the Minister of Police, Mr John Vorster.
Subsequent South African Nobel Peace Prize winners were Bishop Tutu and
(jointly, Nelson Mandela and former State President FW de Klerk).

Rev Dave Wanless - Coordinator: Ecumenical news network southern Africa
Tel & Fax: +27 (21) 683-9665
Cell: 082 958-6482
E-mail: davecong@mweb.co.za
Website: www.uccsa.co.za