Scottish political leaders have welcomed the revelation that Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has used Scottish devolution as inspiration for his country's fight for independence.
The exiled Dalai Lama said he may follow its example in a bid to free Tibet from Chinese rule. A spokesman for First Minister Donald Dewar said: ''This stands to illustrate what a major step forward introducing devolution was.
''We are not surprised. We have had a number of people showing an interest since the Parliament was established in July. A number of foreign countries have now established consulates in Edinburgh.''
The Dalai Lama has accepted an invitation to visit Edinburgh and address MSPs and religious leaders during a tour expected to take place next year.
Leader of the Scottish National Party, Mr Alex Salmond, said the Parliament should feel privileged to be looked to as an inspiration for Tibet.
The secretary of The Office of Tibet in London, Tseten Samdup, said the exiled Tibetan government saw the Scottish model of devolution as a possible compromise with China, which refuses to give the country independence.
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