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Door for talks open to Dalai Lama

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-03 20:09

BEIJING -- China on Tuesday reiterated that its policy on the Dalai Lama was consistent and clear, saying the door for talks remains open.

"As an effort to accommodate the requests of the Dalai Lama, the Chinese central government held three rounds of talks with private envoys of the Dalai Lama last year," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular briefing.

"The talks demonstrated the Chinese government's sincerity and kindness. Our attitude remains unchanged," Qin said.

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Qin's comments came in response to a question concerning the relationship between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama.

"The Dalai Lama and his envoys, however, stick to the proposals that aim to seek a semi or complete independence," Qin said.

Qin said the Dalai Lama's envoys decided to end talks with the Chinese central government last November.

They also requested the central government to accept a "Memorandum for All Tibetans to Enjoy Genuine Autonomy" as a prerequisite to resuming the talks, according to Qin.

The memorandum said that the "Tibet government-in-exile is representative of Tibetans and their interests."

"Whether the talks can yield any progress depends on whether Dalai Lama reviews and corrects his political proposals, stops all secession acts and focuses on improving ties with the central government," Qin said.