h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

It now seems that it was the Dalai lama's decision not to visit Belgium.

Here's the Belgian Foreign Minister's response to our letters:

>Dear Sir/Madam,
>
>Thank you for your e-mail.
>
>In response, I would like to inform you of the following:
>
>The Dalai Lama is a religious leader who is highly respected in Belgium.
>He is always welcome here and has paid several visits to our country
>already, the latest occasion being in 2006.
>
>The Chinese Embassy was informed of his visit on 5 April and immediately
>issued a negative response.
>
>Nonetheless, on 14 April a visa was issued by the Belgian Embassy in New
>Delhi, entitling the Dalai Lama to enter Belgium. That visa is still
>valid.
>
>It was entirely the Dalai Lama's decision to call off the visit. His
>approach has always entailed avoiding any negative impact on the
>external bilateral relations of friendly countries.
>
>We respect his decision, and reiterate that he remains welcome to visit
>Belgium.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Karel De Gucht

Well there you go. How embarrassing. Nice of them to reply to you (I'm still waiting). Hoorah for Belgium.