BEIJING - A series of self-immolations of Tibetan monks were applauded by the Dalai Lama, Zhao Qizheng, spokesman for the annual session of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said here Friday.

Before those unfortunate incidents took place, there were people who forecast the time and places. Some people brought video cameras to film the incidents, and some of them even tried to prevent the rescue efforts, Zhao told reporters at a press conference.