Dalai Lama to be Awarded Highest Civilian Honor

The Dalai Lama will meet with President Bush and members of Congress this coming week in order to receive the Congressional Gold Metal; an award given to signify gallantry beyond the call of duty and at the risk of life itself. It is being awarded to recognize what Congress calls, "his many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, nonviolence, human rights and religious understanding." However, the United States faces opposition from China regarding its decision to honor the Noble Peace Prize winner. The country has accused him of being a separatist, claiming that he seeks to split Tibet from China. White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino pleads, "We would hope that the Chinese leader would get to know the Dalai Lama as the president sees him, as a spiritual leader and someone who wants peace." Despite China's opposition, the ceremony will take place at Capital Hill on Wednesday.