Khama blasts China
China engaged in intimidation, they told me things like the Ambassador may be recalled, it would damage relations between Botswana and China, that they would as China engage other African states to isolate Botswana”
The Dalai Lama is welcome to visit Botswana at any time...
President Ian Khama wishes the Dalai Lama a “speedy recovery” from the exhaustion he suffers, after which the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader is “welcome to come and visit Botswana.”
Khama was speaking to Botswana Guardian in an exclusive interview following weeks of claims and counterclaims over the controversial private visit of The Dalai Lama to Botswana at the invitation of American-based Mind & Life Institute, which culminated into an ugly diplomatic row between China and Botswana.
He was expected to be the keynote speaker at a dialogue on ‘botho’ and spirituality facilitated by the institute this week. However, the trip was cancelled at the eleventh hour on the advice of doctors that the 82 year old should not travel long distances.
“So we assume he will make a speedy recovery and once he has recovered, he is of course welcome to come and visit Botswana,” Khama said.
Botswana was put under tremendous pressure not to allow the Dalai Lama to visit, but the land locked Southern African middle income country would not budge.
In an exclusive interview with the Botswana Guardian, President Lieutenant General Dr Ian Khama revealed why his government was willing to extend hospitality to the Tibetan spiritual leader.
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