C O N F I D E N T I A L FRANKFURT 005998

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2015
TAGS: KIRF PGOV PINR GM CH XD
SUBJECT: DALAI LAMA VISITS GERMANY


Classified By: Consul General Peter Bodde for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dalai Lama paid a three-day visit to
Frankfurt and Wiesbaden to receive one of Germany's most
prestigious awards (the Hesse Peace Prize). Hesse
Minister-President Roland Koch (CDU/Christian Democrat) drew
praise from across the political spectrum for his
endorsement of the Tibetan cause as a human rights issue.
The Dalai Lama reiterated his commitment to non-violent
engagement and privately expressed frustration in dealing
with Nepalese authorities. END SUMMARY.


2. (U) In the televised award ceremony, Minister-President
Koch praised the Dalai Lama's long-standing commitment to
non-violence in resisting China's violations of Tibetans'
human and cultural rights. No one questions China's
territorial integrity, Koch emphasized, but human rights
apply universally. He portrayed the Tibetan reality as one
filled with injustices including many stemming from China's
policy to marginalize Tibetans through the settlement of
Han-Chinese in Tibet. These policies undermine religious
freedom and the preservation of Tibetan culture and
language, Koch said. Speaking out in Tibet "means prison,
rape, deportation, and death." Koch thanked the government
of India for hosting the Dalai Lama and pointedly asked "...
where are the Panchen Lama (and) the many monks and others
who spoke out for Tibetans and whose whereabouts are
unknown?"


3. (U) In his acceptance speech, the Dalai Lama asked for
continued support for religious freedom and cultural
preservation in Tibet. In a press interview, the Dalai Lama
called for engagement with China but indirectly criticized
the Schroeder government's initiative to lift the EU arms
embargo against China ("China is threatened by no one") and
cited the continuing torture of political prisoners in
Tibet.


4. (SBU) The following day, twenty thousand people attended
a public celebration of the Dalai Lama's 70th birthday at a
park in the state capital (prominently featuring the banned
Tibetan flag). In a private conversation with Consul
General (at a function sponsored by the American Chamber of
Commerce), the Dalai Lama expressed frustration with
Nepalese authorities' handling of Tibetan refugees.

COMMENT
--------------


5. (SBU) Minister-President Koch has ties to the Dalai Lama
dating back two decades (and recently called on him in
India). Deputy Bundestag president Antje Vollmer (Greens) -
- from the opposite end of the political spectrum -- gave
Koch credit for an honest and important speech. With the
three-day visit, the Tibetan cause has gained enhanced
visibility in Germany -- and Koch has scored points among
many Germans who would not normally support a political
conservative. END COMMENT.
BODDE