Seoul to reconsider Dalai Lama's visit next year

The government announced Sunday that it would not permit Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to visit Korea, but would reconsider the request next year.

Lee Mam-Soo, spokesman for the Foreign Affairs-Trade Ministry, said that the government would not allow the Dalai Lama's visit this year in light of certain considerations, but would consider a visit for next year after discussing the timing and conditions for the trip with the Lama.

The ministry spokesman said that some critics claimed that the government failed to uphold its commitment, abandoning its cultural sovereignty and bowing to foreign influence. But he asserted that this was not true, and probably stemmed from a misunderstanding of the government¡¯s position.

He also said that the government, in compliance with the Buddhist community, had endeavored to minimize diplomatic friction with China, which would arise from Seoul's acceptance of the Tibetan exile government leader.