Officials make clear China´s positions in talk with Dalai representatives

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-06-2008 09:16

Two central government officials have reiterated that the March 14 riots in Lhasa were against the interests of the Tibetan people. They said the government's handling of the situation is "correct". The remarks came on Sunday during a meeting with private representatives of the Dalai Lama in Shenzhen in south China. Now, a brief look at China's positions in the latest talks:

Two central government officials have reiterated that the March 14 riots in Lhasa were against the interests of the Tibetan people.

The two officials said the recent Lhasa riots had jeopardized the interests of Tibetans, saying that it was correct for the government to take appropriate action and restore social order.

They reiterated that residents in Tibet fully enjoy freedom of religion, and also conveyed their hopes for stability and development in the Tibetan Autonomous Region .

Since the year 2000, the central government had held six meetings with the Dalai Lama's private representatives.

Chinese officials noted that the riots in Lhasa had added new obstacles for resuming contacts and consultations with the Dalai Lama. Still, the central government is patient, and is sincerely willing to hold talks.

The officials also said the central government hopes the Dalai Lama will take credible steps to stop activities aimed at splitting China, and refrain from disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games.

Editor:Xiong Qu