PARIS (AP) — The Dalai Lama says there should be dialogue with Islamic State extremists to end bloodshed in Syria and Iraq, and argues that religion is never a justification for bloodshed.
The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, speaking Tuesday in Paris, said that dialogue "is the only way," but didn't elaborate on how it should take place or with whom. He insisted that Islam should never be conflated with terrorism.
He also urged European countries to take in refugees, such as those fleeing Syria's war, but said European governments should also work toward ending the war so that the refugees can go home.
The Dalai Lama himself fled Tibet and lives in exile in India. He is on a weeklong visit to France for conferences on the environment and spirituality.