Associated Press
April 29, 2009

CAMBRIDGE -- The Dalai Lama is expressing
optimism about the Obama Administration and about
his own eventual return to his native Tibet after 50 years in exile.

The Buddhist spiritual leader who heads Tibet’s
government in exile began a four-day visit to
Massachusetts today as part of a U.S. tour.

He said while President Barack Obama’s policy
toward Tibet and China is essentially the same as
the Bush Administration’s, he’s hopeful that
Obama’s "straightforward, open style" will spur positive change.

The Dalai Lama also said China’s aspiration to be
a greater super power could lead it to ease control over Tibet.

Asked if he felt confident he would one day
return to Tibet, he answered "oh, yes."