From correspondents in Paris, France, 04:02 PM IST

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama Monday began a 12-day visit to France during which he was due to meet French lawmakers.

No official reception was planned, but the Dalai Lama would meet privately with members from the Franco-Tibetan interest group, officials said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was not due to meet the Dalai Lama. While French media have been speculating over the politically sensitive nature of such a meeting, the Elysee Palace indicated that the Dalai Lama had not yet asked for a meeting with Sarkozy.

Sarkozy's wife Carla was however due to be present at the inauguration of a new Buddhist temple near Paris Tuesday.

The Dalai Lama was due to meet French lawmakers Wednesday.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)