China has written to diplomats and UN officials
urging them not to attend a Geneva event today where the Dalai Lama will speak,
reasserting that it opposes his appearance at all venues due to his
"separatist activities".
Reuters reported in October that China is waging a campaign of intimidation, obstruction and harassment that Western diplomats and activists say is aimed at silencing criticism of its human rights record at the United Nations.
The Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, moved to India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Communist rule. China views him as a separatist, but Tibet's spiritual leader says he only wants genuine autonomy for his homeland.
Reuters reported in October that China is waging a campaign of intimidation, obstruction and harassment that Western diplomats and activists say is aimed at silencing criticism of its human rights record at the United Nations.
The Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, moved to India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Communist rule. China views him as a separatist, but Tibet's spiritual leader says he only wants genuine autonomy for his homeland.
UN spokesman in Geneva Ahmad Fawzi confirmed
that UN agencies and offices in the Swiss city had received China's letter.
"We take note but of course we are not bound by instructions from member states," he said.
A US spokesman declined to comment on the letter saying: "I refer you to Chinese authorities for their views. We do not comment on the substance of our diplomatic exchanges."
Philippe Burrin, director of the Geneva institute, said that "pressures are being applied from various sides" but the event would not be cancelled.
"We take note but of course we are not bound by instructions from member states," he said.
A US spokesman declined to comment on the letter saying: "I refer you to Chinese authorities for their views. We do not comment on the substance of our diplomatic exchanges."
Philippe Burrin, director of the Geneva institute, said that "pressures are being applied from various sides" but the event would not be cancelled.