By IANS,
Dharamsala : The Tibetan government-in-exile, based in this north Indian hill station, has appreciated China’s gesture to continue contacts and consultations with the envoys of the Tibetan spiritual guru, the Dalai Lama.
“We welcome the statement of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao… His Holiness the Dalai Lama is always ready to engage with the Chinese leadership to find a mutually acceptable solution to the problems of the Tibetan people,” an official statement released by Samdhong Rinpoche, the prime minister of the government-in-exile, said Saturday night.
“What His Holiness is seeking for the Tibetan people has already been presented to the PRC (People’s Republic of China) government in writing as a memorandum on genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people by the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on October 31, 2008, during the eighth round of talks.
“The memorandum clearly outlines the aspirations of the Tibetan people strictly within the constitutional principles of the PRC. Premier Wen Jiabao appears to be trying to avoid acknowledging this document by referring to some past statements of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“On many occasions, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has reiterated that he is not seeking separation from the PRC. The Chinese premier’s allegations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama seeking separation is far from the truth. The international community is well aware of this fact and it does not need further clarification. We hope that Beijing will demonstrate its sincerity in resolving the Tibetan problem,” said the statement.
China Friday said talks with the Dalai Lama might continue if the Tibetan leader is “sincere”.
Jiabao told reporters after the National People’s Congress closed its annual session that the central government held three rounds of talks last year with the Dalai Lama’s representatives.
“Such talks could continue as long as the Dalai Lama is sincere so as to ensure talks bear essential fruits,” Xinhua reported Wen as saying.
The Tibetan government-in-exile is not recognised by any country in the world.