Enormous respect for Gorbachev for opposition to nuclear war: Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has mourned the demise of Mikhail Gorbachev, former leader of the Soviet Union, saying he had enormous respect for him and his efforts to introduce greater openness and transformation as well as for his opposition to nuclear war.

In a letter to the Gorbachev Foundation to express his sadness, the spiritual leader said: "I make heartfelt prayers for my friend and offer condolences to his daughter, Irina Virganskaya, and members of his family, his friends and supporters.

"I had enormous respect for him and his efforts to introduce greater openness and transformation, as well as for his opposition to nuclear war. He worked actively to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world.

"Over the years I had the great honour to meet him on many occasions when we both took part in peace forums in different parts of the world. We have remained in close contact.

"Mikhail Gorbachev was a man of vision and an exemplary statesman. Even after his retirement he continued to be committed to promoting peace and reconciliation in the world. His initiation of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates has allowed Nobel Peace Laureates and their respective organisations to come together regularly to apply their collective thoughts to bringing about a more caring, peaceful world.

"He lived a meaningful life," His Holiness concluded.

"We should continue to keep his spirit alive by emulating the enthusiasm and determination with which he encouraged freedom and worked to create a demilitarised world."