China opposes Paris honor for Dalai Lama

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-08-2009 13:44

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China has demanded that France not grant the Dalai Lama the honorary citizenship of Paris approved last year when he visits next month.

China has demanded that France not grant the  Dalai Lama the honorary citizenship of Paris  approved last year when he visits next month.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu says the Dalai Lama is a separatist who tries to make Tibet break away from China. He called on France to work with China to promote ties. The two countries began to mend relations last month with a joint declaration. France recognizes Tibet as a part of China and the two sides agreed to tackle the economic crisis.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said, "We demand that Paris city government stop all actions that interfere in China's internal affairs and not make the same mistakes again and again on the Tibet issue. I would also like to point out that through joint efforts, the bilateral relationship has been brought back on track. We hope the two countries can overcome obstacles and push forward the development of healthy and stable Sino-French ties. "

Editor:Zhang Ning