DA shocked and disappointed by alleged decision to block Dalai Lama's entry to SA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with shock and disbelief reports that the South African government is in the process of preventing a planned visit to this country by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

With South Africa having just concluded its Human Rights Day celebrations, it beggars belief that our government would go out of it way to block the Dalai Lama - an apostle of peace, who is revered throughout the world for his unwavering commitment to non-violence, human rights and cultural freedom - from entering the country.

Even more appalling is the fact that the government has allegedly taken this decision when the Dalai Lama is due to travel to the country at the invitation of fellow Nobel Peace Laureates, former-President Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu, in order to attend a 2010 World Cup-related Peace Conference.

This decision, reportedly taken at the behest of the Chinese government, flies in the face of all logic, and suggests that - contrary to popular belief - South Africa's foreign policy is not determined internally and independently, but rather on the instruction of foreign governments.  

Any decision to bar the Dalai Lama from entry into South Africa will cause significant embarrassment to Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Tutu and FW de Klerk, who extended the invitation to him, and who are scheduled to attend the conference in Johannesburg on Friday.

If the South African government has indeed taken this misstep, we urgently request that it reconsider the decision.

Statement issued by Tony Leon MP, Democratic Alliance spokesperson on foreign affairs, March 22 2009

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