No progress made in contacts with Dalai Lama´s reps´

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-10-2008 12:43

A Chinese official says the central government's recent contacts with private representatives of the Dalai Lama were "frank and sincere". But that serious differences still remain.

Deputy head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC  Central Committee Zhu Weiqun says the central government's  recent contacts with private representatives of the Dalai  Lama were "frank and sincere". But that serious differences  still remain.

Deputy head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, Zhu Weiqun made the announcement during a press conference in Beijing on Monday.

Zhu Weiqun said that Vice-chairman of the CPPCC, Du Qinglin met with the Dalai Lama's private representatives -- Lodi Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen -- last week in Beijing.

Zhu says the contact -- the third of its kind this year -- ended without progress.

He said the Dalai Lama should assume full responsibility for this.

Zhu says the two representatives presented the central government a memorandum during last week's contact in which the Dalai Lama continues to seek Tibet independence. The Dalai Lama also demanded what he calls "genuine autonomy" for all Tibetans in the memorandum.

Zhu Weiqun reiterated the central government's stance over the issue. He stressed that no wavering or departure would be allowed on the fundamental issue of national unity and territorial integrity.

He says China will never allow the splitting of ethnic regions in the name of so-called -- "genuine autonomy" -- to undermine ethnic solidarity.

Zhu Weiqun said, "The central government's policy toward the Dalai Lama is consistent and clear. The door for the Dalai Lama's return to a patriotic stance had always been open and will remain open in the future. However, the door for Tibet independence, half-independence or covert independence has never been open. Nor will it be open in the future."

Zhu says Tibetan independence activities and a series of disruptions against the Beijing Olympics supported by the Dalai Lama stirred strong indignation by people from various walks of life.

He said that despite this, the central government still arranged contact and consultation with the Dalai Lama's private representatives. And that this shows the sincerity and generosity of the central government.

Zhu Weiqun also urged that the Dalai Lama fundamentally change his political propositions.

Editor:Zhang Ning