State Dept. official meets Dalai Lama, affirms commitment to address China's human rights abuses

A State Department representative met Wednesday with the Dalai Lama to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to Tibetan human rights.

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya represented the U.S. at the audience in New York City, according to a State Department press release.

Zeya "reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to advancing the human rights of Tibetans and supporting efforts to preserve their distinct historical, linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage."

Zeya also praised "the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to promoting nonviolence and compassion."

The pair discussed "Tibetan cultural preservation, the United States’ ongoing efforts to address human rights abuses inside Tibet, and support for resuming dialogue between [China] and His Holiness and his representatives."

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists and former Tibetan head of state, has lived in China-imposed exile since 1959.