Havel criticizes Obama for postponing meeting with Dalai Lama

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP)

PRAGUE, Czech Republic — Former Czech President Vaclav Havel has criticized President Barack Obama for postponing his meeting with the Dalai Lama.
Havel said Monday the postponement is a "tiny little compromise" that sidelines human rights issues for economic reasons.
The Tibetan spiritual leader is in Washington to receive an award, but won't meet with the president.
A meeting will take place after Obama visits Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing in November. Obama needs Chinese support for crucial foreign policy, economic and environmental goals
China accuses Tibet's exiled spiritual leader of seeking independence from Beijing and objects when he meets foreign leaders. The Dalai Lama says he seeks only more autonomy to preserve the Himalayan region's Buddhist culture.