Dalai Lama has reservations over US decision to exit climate pact

Dharamsala, Sep 11 (IANS) Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said he has some reservations about the Trump administration's decision to pull out of the 2015 Paris climate pact, saying recent disasters have lessons to teach to the world about climate change impact.

"I have some reservations about the slogan 'American first' and the US withdrawal from the Paris accord," the Nobel Peace laureate said on Sunday while addressing the 20th anniversary of the charity Children in Crossfire in Derry in Northern Ireland, according to the official website of the Dalai Lama.

The organisation, started by Richard Moore, is dedicated to eradicating poverty and making healthcare and education more accessible to young children around the world.

The Dalai Lama also offered an apology over his assertions aimed at the US decision of June 1 to quit the Paris Climate Change Agreement, saying: "It seems to me that the natural disasters we've witnessed in recent days have been trying to teach us something about climate change. However, if I've said anything wrong, I apologise."

Stating that he was an admirer of the European Union, the Dalai Lama said: "Peace will not be achieved by force. We need to take a humane approach to resolving human problems.

"Talk and dialogue based on candour and respect are the foundation on which to build peace. I'm an admirer of the European Union and the spirit of the decision to put the common good ahead of narrower national interests."

The Nobel laureate met Moore, who lost his eyesight in an accidental bullet fire 45 years ago, for the first time during his visit to Derry in 2000. The spiritual leader considers Moore not only his friend but also his hero.

The globetrotting elderly monk was invited to talk on the topic "Compassion in Action" at the anniversary function, which was attended among others by one of Britain's foremost actors Joanna Lumley.

Lauding Moore for his immense power of compassion, the Dalai Lama said: "I usually describe you as my hero. When I first met you and heard your story, I was much moved. I often talk about compassion, but I wonder if I had undergone the same experience as you.

"You've shown such inner strength and your work to establish Children in Crossfire shows what it really is to be human."

Moore was blinded by a rubber bullet after being shot by a British soldier in Derry as a boy of 10 in 1972.

He later forgave the shooter and founded Children in Crossfire to help other children in similar situations across the world.

Since then, he has gone on to embody compassion and human values in the face of tragedy.