White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Thursday said that U.S. President Barack Obama has told the Dalai Lama of his "strong support" for preservation of Tibet's identity and encouraged talks between the exiled Tibetan leader and China. After private White House talks Obama had with the visiting Dalai Lama, Gibbs said Obama stated support for "the preservation of Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans" in China. Speaking to reporters, the Dalai Lama said that he is "very happy" and that Obama was "very much supportive." The Dalai Lama told reporters on the White House driveway that he spoke to Obama about the promotion of human value, religious harmony and the concerns of the Tibetan people. He said that Obama urged a greater leadership role for women in the public life of nations.
