Bush Say China's Dialog With Dalai Lama Must Be Substantive

by Nicole

Speaking at a gathering marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at the White House yesterday, George Bush said he was working "to extend the hope of liberty throughout Asia." The president then followed up with a series of statements about the situation in Tibet. He said that any dialog between the Chinese government and representatives of the Dalai Lama must be "substantive" and address the "legitimate concerns" of the Tibetan People.

"I welcome the recent statements by the Chinese government expressing its willingness to meet with representatives of the Dalai Lama, precisely what I had suggested (Chinese) President Hu Jintao do," said Bush. "It's important that there be a renewed dialogue -- and that dialogue must be substantive so we can address, in a real way, the deep and legitimate concerns of the Tibetan people."

As we first reported on April 25 (see story), the official Chinese government press agency, Xinhua, announced that direct talks between government officials and a representative of the exiled Tibetan leader were likely to begin in the "coming days." However the Dalai Lama's spokesperson, Tenzin Taklha, said that though they would "welcome" an invitation, they had yet to be contacted directly by the Chinese government with regards to such talks.

| 05/02/08 | News