Barack Obama lauds 'good friend' Dalai Lama
President Barack Obama has called the Dalai Lama a "good friend" and an inspiration for freedom and dignity of all human beings.
Obama was speaking at a prayer event in Washington with Tibet's exiled spiritual leader among the audience.
It was the first time the president and the Tibetan Buddhist leader attended the same public event.
China objects to foreign leaders meeting the Dalai Lama because they see him as a separatist.
Obama's previous meetings with the Dalai Lama have been private but media have been invited to take photos.
At the White House National Prayer Breakfast, Obama was seated at the head table with the Dalai Lama.
Before his remarks, Obama pressed his hands together and bowed his head toward the Tibetan leader, giving him a wave and a smile.
The US president condemned those who use religion as a rationale for carrying out violence.
"We are summoned to push back against those who would distort our religion for their nihilistic ends," Obama said, specifically mentioning the Islamic State group.
Obama said this tendency was "not unique to one group or one religion" citing the examples of the Crusades, the Inquisition as well as slavery and segregation that were justified under Christianity.
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