China-Dalai Lama talks begin today
Tuesday, 01 Jul 2008 09:22
Dalai Lama representatives in Beijing for two-day talks
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Two-day talks between the Chinese government and envoys of the Dalai Lama are set to begin today.
Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen will represent the Tibetan spiritual leader at the talks in China, which follow a wave of protests opposing Beijing's dominance in the Himalayan region.
Progress in the seventh round of talks will be closely watched by the international community, which viewed China's treatment of protestors with alarm.
"His Holiness the Dalai Lama has instructed the envoys to make every effort to bring about tangible progress to alleviate the difficult situation for Tibetans in their homeland," a statement on the Dalai Lama's website said.
"It is hoped that this round of talks will contribute in resolving the long simmering issue through dialogue in the interest of stability, unity and harmony of all nationalities in the People's Republic of China."