I think there is a lack of compassion, which is a great pity and a great surprise because Buddhism was born in Asia and Buddhism is the great religion of compassion. But yet compassion is a very basic ingredient in all religions. For this reason I hope that as we approach the year 2000, we will increase compassion all over the world. In our struggle for democracy and human rights, we would like greater support from our fellow Asians. We would especially like the Japanese people to take a strong stand in the battle for democracy.
Japan is one of the strongest economies in the world and it is a democracy.
It is certainly the richest Asian country. As a richest Asian country and as a democracy Japan has a duty to try to promote human rights and democracy in other parts of Asia. We hope that the year 2000 will see a blossoming of Japanese interest in human rights and democracy. I also hope the year 2000 will be a year of great happiness for the people of Hong Kong where I understand this tape is going to be played. I feel great affection for Hong Kong because so many of my friends are there and we have always known of it as a dynamic little corner of the earth known to the rest of the world for their achievements.