Dalai Lama arrives in Prague

The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama has arrived in Prague for the first time since 2006. The brief visit includes meetings with Tibetan representatives as well as a lecture on issues relating to the theme of understanding, which is being held at the Prague Congress Centre on Sunday. The Dalai Lama has been a frequent visitor to Prague over the years as well as a regular guest of former president Václav Havel’s annual Forum 2000 conference. However, ill-health forced the Buddhist leader to miss this year’s meeting. After visiting Prague, the Dalai Lama is expected to visit the European parliament as well as meet with the French president Nicolas Sarkozy. The Czech Republic remains a steadfast supporter of the “Tibetan cause,” which has often caused tensions with China.