The Tibet Post

Paris: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama was officially made an honorary citizen of Paris on 7 June, despite fierce opposition from Chinese government. "I receive this distinction as a human being to defend human values, peace and non-violence," His Holiness said as he accepted the title.

The award has proved a diplomatic headache for France, which is still trying to patch up ties to China, strained in recent months by a December meeting between President Nicolas Sarkozy and the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Chinese authorities are claiming His Holiness the Dalai Lama of being a leader of Tibetan separatists, and regards any official meeting with him as meddling in its internal affairs. It has warned European capitals of diplomatic retaliation with mixing its economy and political drama.

Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has himself making a strong effort to better understanding and mutual respects Chinese people as he said, 'I have a strong hope to the people of China.' Saturday, he was holding several meetings with Chinese dissidents, French lawmakers and reporters to explain was he said was a "death sentence" imposed on Tibet.