The Dalai Lama on Thursday
received the honorary citizenship of Milan, an honour strongly
contested by China.
The Tibetan spiritual leader received the laurel from the
head of Milan city council, Lamberto Bertolè, ahead of a talk
set up by Milan's Bicocca University at the Arcimboldi theatre.
Loud applause rang out and Tibetan flags were waved as the
Dalai Lama got the gong, before saying: "Now I'd like to know
what my rights and duties are, although I prefer rights".
A small group from Milan's Chinese community protested
outside the theatre.
There were moments of tension between them and a group
calling fro 'Free Tibet', but no clashes or injuries.
Bicocca University Dean Cristina Messa said from the
Arcimboldi stage, "this meeting does not intend to offend
anyone".
At a meeting earlier, Milan Archbishop Angelo Scola said
"your presence, Holiness, is an encouragement to proceed even
more swiftly along the path of dialogue".
The Dalai Lama told Scola:
"There are those who appropriate religion to carry on
conflicts, but practising religion is practising tolerance, love
and compassion".
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