The UK welcomes new Dalai Lama talks with China

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

AFP
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Britain is welcoming the resumption of talks between China and the Dalai Lama

LONDON — The UK welcomed Monday the resumption of talks between China and the Dalai Lama, expressing hope that progress could be made towards "meaningful autonomy" for Tibet.

Representatives of Tibet's exiled spiritual leader will resume talks on the Himalayan region's autonomy on Tuesday, his office said.

Junior foreign office minister Ivan Lewis, who made the first ever trip to Tibet by a British government member in September, welcomed the news.

"I urge both sides to enter these talks in good faith and to make progress towards meaningful autonomy for Tibet," Lewis said.

"Peaceful dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama?s representatives is the only way to bring about a lasting and peaceful solution to the problems in Tibet.

"I made this clear during my own visit to Tibet and Beijing last year."

The last round of talks collapsed 15 months ago with Beijing saying no progress had been made and insisting it would not compromise on the status of Tibet as an integral part of China.

China has often repeated demands that the Tibetan leader renounce "separatist" activities -- which he denies supporting.

The Dalai Lama has sought "meaningful autonomy" for Tibet since he fled his homeland following a failed uprising in 1959 against Chinese rule, nine years after Chinese troops invaded the region.

China says the Dalai Lama is really seeking full independence for the territory.