The Nobel Peace Prize winner, the Dalai Lama of Tibet, will be visitingJapan at the invitation of his Japanese devotees and cabinet ministers,according to the Kyoto News.

The Dalai Lama who will be visiting Japan between 12 and 23 November, wasawarded the Congressional Gold Medal of the United States of America, thehighest civilian award, by President Bush on Tuesday 16 October.

The Chinese government has criticised the US government regarding theaward and is also protesting against all countries inviting the DalaiLama.

The Dalai Lama, who had the opportunity to meet and hold discussions withPresident Bush, has stated his full support of the peaceful demonstrations led by Burmese monks and for their religious boycott. He also stated that the brutal and injudicious slaughter by the military isan insult to civilisation. He said that witnessing these scenes had brought back memories of the beatings and slaughter of Tibetan monks by the communist Chinese government, and that he had felt a deep compassionand sympathy.

In addition, pointing to his robe and shorn head, he said that he will always continue to strive for the freedom of Buddhism and Tibet.

During his stay in Japan, the Dalai Lama will be meeting Yukio Edana, House of Representatives member from the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, and is likely to meet some Burmese people as well.

News report by Tin Tin Win