Dalai Lama says eager to talk to China over Tibet

Dalai Lama says eager to talk to China over Tibet 
Estelle Shirbon (Reuters)
Rome, November 27 
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_474904,00050004.htm 
The Dalai Lama said on Thursday he was extremely eager to negotiate
with China about the treatment of Tibet and was optimistic about the
outcome even though Beijing remained suspicious.

The exiled spiritual leader of Tibet said he was keen to send new
delegations to Beijing after China hosted two trips in 14 months by
his personal envoys in an apparent thawing of ties.

"We are very, very eager to continue this process a third time, a
fourth time, a fifth time and so on until we reach meaningful
discussions and understanding," the Dalai Lama said in a joint
interview with Reuters and another news agency.

"I have confidence that I can help the Chinese government in order to
achieve genuine stability and unity."

The crimson-robed monk said face-to-face contacts would improve
relations with Beijing. "So I am optimistic, although at this moment
the Chinese government is always suspicious".

Asked if he would consider meeting Chinese President Hu Jintao and
whether he thought it could happen one day, he said: "It's possible."

Chinese troops imposed Communist rule on Tibet in 1950 and the Dalai
Lama fled nine years later after a failed uprising against them. China
claims Tibet as part of its territory and accuses the religious leader
of separatist activities.

The 68-year-old, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, reaffirmed his
long-standing position that he is not seeking independence but greater
autonomy for the "Land of Snows".

Beijing objects to foreign governments talking to him. It protested in
September when President George W Bush hosted him in Washington, and
the same month Russia banned him from visiting for fear of damaging
ties with China.

During his three-day visit to Rome, he has met Pope John Paul, Italian
parliamentarians, a junior minister at the foreign ministry and trade
union leaders. No meeting has yet been planned with Prime Minister
Silvio Berlusconi.

Asked when and under what conditions he would return to Tibet, the
Dalai Lama said: "As soon as there is some indication that I will be
useful inside Tibet. I am ready to go."