THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP)
October 12, 2009

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.