Dalai Lama laments latest Tibetan self-immolations
The Dalai Lama voiced sadness Friday at the reported self-immolation of two more Tibetans, the latest in a wave of such protests against Beijing's rule.
But the Tibetan spiritual leader was cautious of further comment, because the issue was "very political" -- and also reiterated that he saw positive signs of reforms from Chinese leaders.
"It is very very sad," he said, when asked about the latest two self-immolations in a restive southwestern region of China, reported by human rights in groups.
"Indeed, very sad. But at the same time it is currently (a) very very political issue. I prefer (to) remain silent," he added, during a visit to California.
A total of 34 Tibetans, many of them Buddhist monks and nuns, are now reported to have attempted to kill themselves in the same way since the start of 2011 over what they see as Chinese repression of their culture.
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