23 February 2006
Dalai Lama's envoys return from China talks
A delegation from the Tibetan government in exile, headed by Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, returned to India after the fifth round of talks with China since 2002. Lodi Gyari issued a statement in which he said that the delegation had held a day-long meeting with the Executive Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department, Zhu Weiqun, in Guilin City during which they “dealt with substantive issues”. He added: “Today there is a better and deeper understanding of each other's position and the fundamental differences that continue to exist in the position held by the two parties”. He made it clear that the Tibetan government in exile remained committed to the dialogue process and were hopeful that progress will be possible by continuing the engagement. “Our Chinese counterparts made clear their interest in continuing the present process and their firm belief that the obstacles can be overcome through more discussions and engagements” said Mr. Gyari, however, he did specify that “this round of discussion also made it clear that there is a major difference even in the approach in addressing the issue”. The European Union issued a statement, welcoming the continuing dialogue: “The EU strongly supports this dialogue and hopes that both parties will be willing to address in good faith substantive issues in order to find pragmatic solutions which can contribute to a peaceful and sustainable settlement for Tibet that both sides agree upon”.