Canada welcomes China, Dalai Lama talks
OTTAWA (AFP) — The Canadian government welcomed the formal resumption of talks between China and representatives of the Dalai Lama Tuesday, saying it was an "important element" towards establishing peace in Tibet.
"I am encouraged by this latest round of dialogue, which paves the way to resolving long-standing differences," Foreign Minister David Emerson said in a statement late Monday.
"Canada has consistently advocated substantive dialogue between the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama, or his designated representatives.
"Given the recent developments in Tibet, Canada considers this dialogue to be an important element in working toward a resolution of outstanding issues and establishing a true and lasting peace in Tibet."
The seventh round of talks between the two sides since 2002 was due to begin Tuesday in Beijing, more than three months after deadly unrest in Tibet overshadowed the build-up to this summer's Olympic Games in China.
