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The elected chief of Tibet's government-in-exile says a grand religious gathering in Washington will allow expatriate Tibetans a right denied their brethren inside China — to meet their spiritual leader.

Elected exile leader Lobsang Sangay described Chinese repression inside Tibet as a tragedy.

The Dalai Lama arrived in Washington on Tuesday for a 10-day Buddhist ritual that organizers expect will draw upward of 10,000 followers a day from America, Asia and Europe.

The Dalai Lama's visit officially starts Wednesday with celebrations to mark his 76th birthday. He also will meet with lawmakers during his stay, although the White House has yet to announce if he will see President Barrack Obama.