China to meet with Dalai Lama representative: Xinhua
BEIJING (AFP) — Chinese officials will meet soon with a representative of the Dalai Lama, state-run Xinhua news agency reported Friday, in what would be the first known encounter since last month's deadly unrest.
"In view of the requests repeatedly made by the Dalai side for resuming talks, the relevant department of the central government will have contact and consultation with Dalai's private representative in the coming days," Xinhua said, quoting an unidentified Chinese official.
China has come under intense foreign pressure to hold talks with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader since rioting erupted in the regional capital Lhasa last month and spread to other areas populated by Tibetans.
Beijing, which will host the Olympics Games in August, has so far resisted the pressure and accused the Dalai Lama of instigating the violence.
"It is hoped that through contact and consultation, the Dalai side will take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China, stop plotting and inciting violence and stop disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games so as to create conditions for talks," the official said.
China's critics accuse Beijing of severe political and religious oppression since it took firm control of the region six decades ago, a charge it strongly denies.
The Dalai Lama fled the region in 1959 and went into exile in India after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
