Europe must educate refugees, says Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama called on Tuesday that Europe educate the thousands of refugees who came to the mainland, so that they can return and rebuild their country.

"You Europeans should give refugee education, especially to children," the Tibetan spiritual leader, on a visit to France. "Soon they will come back to their country and rebuild them."

The Buddhist monk of 81 years called the "true spirit of the European Union" and urged the bloc to consider the importance of common interest to deal with the refugee crisis.

The Nobel Peace Prize 1989 lamented the situation that forced these people to flee their homes. "There are many dead! Innocent children, and elderly people who have suffered a lot," he said.

The Dalai Lama held his first visit to France in five years. During his stay, he will give a series of lectures, but will not be received by any representative of government.