Dharamsala, April 22: The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has been named an honorary citizen of Paris for his contribution to world peace, the Tibetan government-in-exile said here Tuesday.

"The Paris city council on Monday bestowed the city's honorary citizenhip to his holiness the Dalai Lama, which Mayor Bertand Delanoe called 'a tribute to a champion of peace, a tireless advocate of dialogue between people'," said a spokesman of the government-in-exile, not recognised by any nation.

"Paris wanted to show its support for the people of Tibet who are defending their most basic right to dignity, freedom and simple life," Delanoe was quoted as saying.

Many observers say this move by France could further anger China.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a tour of the US and has met US Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky at the University of Michigan Monday.

On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to attend a conference at the Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, the spokesman said.