“I would like to offer my greetings to the People’s Republic of China, the organizers and the athletes participating in the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing,” he said in the statement.

The Dalai Lama has been vilified lately by Chinese authorities who blame him for the recent unrest in Tibet, which Beijing says were part of a campaign to split the Himalayan region from the rest of China.

The Dalai Lama has denied these charges, saying that despite China’s harsh crackdown on the demonstrations that erupted in March, he still supports a solution of meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people under China’s rule, not independence.

“Right from the time of China’s application to hold the Olympic Games, I have supported China’s right to host the Games.

This is a moment of great pride to the 1.3 billion Chinese people. These Games should contribute to promoting the Olympic spirit of friendship, openness and peace,” the Dalai Lama’s statement added.

“I send my prayers and good wishes for the success of the event.”

Dharmsala has been the headquarters of the Tibetan exiles in India since the Dalai Lama, fled there after an abortive uprising against China in 1959.

While many Tibetans oppose China hosting the Olympics, the Dalai Lama says he supports the Beijing games.

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