Obama to meet Dalai Lama on February 18

Despite objections from China, US President Barack Obama would meet Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at the White House on February 18. "The president looks forward to an engaging and constructive dialogue," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said.

However, Obama would meet the Dalai Lama in the Map Room and not in the Oval Office. Gibbs said no US President has met with the Dalai Lama in the Oval Office. This would be the first meeting between the Dalai Lama and Obama as the US President.

The announcement of the meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama comes at a time when China has warned Washington that such a meeting would harm its relationship with the US. The White House the issue was discussed when Obama met his Chinese counterpart in November.

The 74-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader is due in the United States for a 10-day trip later this month. He will be in Washington from February 17 to 19.

- Asian Tribune -