The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (Photo: Christopher Michel/Creative Commons)

Elham Asaad Buaras

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism Tenzin Gyatso has said that: “Germany cannot become an Arab country,” and warned Europe risks losing its identity by taking in too many migrants.

The Dalai Lama said refugees should only stay temporarily and return home to rebuild their countries when the conflicts have ended.

Gyatso, who has lived in exile for over 50 years, said: “When we look into the face of every single refugee, especially the children and women, we can feel their suffering. A human being who is a bit more fortunate has the duty to help them. On the other hand, there are too many now.”

He said: “Europe, for example Germany, cannot become an Arab country. Germany is Germany. There are so many that in practice it becomes difficult.”

He added that, “From a moral point of view too, I think the refugees should only be admitted temporarily. The goal should be that they return and help rebuild their countries.”

The 14th Dalai Lama has lived in exile since fleeing to India at the age 23 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.