The Dalai Lama says that “too many” refugees have already entered Europe, and that most should leave again once the danger in their home countries abates.

“When we look into the face of every single refugee, especially the children and women, we can feel their suffering,” he told the German Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “A human being who is a bit more fortunate has the duty to help them.”

At the same time, the Tibetan leader noted that “there are too many now. Europe, for example Germany, cannot become an Arab country. Germany is Germany. There are so many that in practice it becomes difficult.”

He added: “From a moral point of view too, I think that the refugees should only be admitted temporarily. The goal should be that they return and help rebuild their countries”

The interview took place in Dharamsala, India, where the Dalai Lama has been residing since he fled Chinese forces in 1959. Polls regularly find that the Dalai Lama is one of the most admired people in the world, In 1989 he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

A refugee himself, he has frequently stressed his desire to return to a free Tibet. He told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, “If an opportunity for my return arises, or at least for a short visit, that would be a source of great joy.”