The Dalai Lama has paid tribute to former SDLP leader John Hume, praising "his leadership and his faith in the power of negotiations".
Read More: John Hume's funeral: Nobel Prize winner 'never lost faith in peace'
In a message read at Mr Hume's funeral this morning, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism reminisced about meeting the Nobel Peace Prize winner who died on Monday.
John Hume’s deep conviction in the power of dialogue and negotiations to resolve conflict was unwavering. It was his leadership and his faith in the power of negotiations that enabled the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to be reached — an example for us all. https://t.co/bPXcNndiSw
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) August 4, 2020
"I am sorry to learn about the passing of John Hume," the Dalai Lama said. "I would like to offer my condolences to you and the members of the family.
"I was pleased to be able to meet John during one of my several visits to Northern Ireland. Indeed, his deep conviction in the power of dialogue and negotiations in resolving the problem in his homeland has been an example of non-violent resolution of issues.
"It was his leadership and his faith in the power of negotiations that enabled the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to be reached. His steady persistence set an example for all of us to follow.
"Although my fellow Nobel laureate is no longer with us, his message about peace and nonviolence in the resolution of conflict, no matter how protracted or difficult it may seem to be, will long survive him. He lived a truly meaningful life."
