China brushes off Dalai Lama
2005-03-15 13:59
Beijing - Beijing on Tuesday brushed off a pledge by the Dalai Lama not to
seek Tibet's independence, saying if the spiritual leader wanted to
improve relations he must take active measures to end all
separatist activities.
"Generally, the attitude of the Chinese government concerning
the Dalai Lama is that you should not only look at what he says,
but also what he does," said foreign ministry spokesperson Liu
Jianchao.
"We noted the remarks of the Dalai Lama. The policy of China
with respect to the Dalai Lama is unchanged and clear.
"If the Dalai Lama wants to really improve his relations with
China, he must recognise China, objectively and completely. He must
really give up any claim of independence of Tibet, to put an end to
any separatist activities."
Liu repeated China's insistence that Tibet's spiritual leader
must also "declare publicly that Tibet is a inalienable part of
China", which he has repeatedly done.
The Buddhist monk must also recognise Taiwan as part of China,
he said.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post on Monday, the
Dalai Lama called on Beijing to use common sense and allow him back
into the country.
"It is in China's interest," he said.
"As long as I am there I can make Tibetans calm. If I am not
there, I do not know what will come. The Chinese government should
use common sense rationally, not look at things with narrow
perspective."
The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 and direct ties
between him and Beijing collapsed in 1993. They were renewed only
in 2002.
Since then China and Tibetan representatives have met three
times to discuss a possible return of Tibetan exiles. - dpa
- SAPA