DHARAMSALA, India – Switzerland could be the venue for dialogue between China and Tibet, a Swiss MP has said.
“Time has come that there should be a substantial dialogue between the Dalai Lama and China. We know the Tibetan government-in-exile is ready for a dialogue,” Swiss MP Mario Fehr told reporters here on Friday.
“I am sure Switzerland would be ready to offer the venue for a dialogue between the two parties,” he added.
Fehr was part of a four-member delegation of the Swiss Parliamentary Group for Tibet visiting Dharamsala, the home of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
“We met with the Dalai Lama this morning which was wonderful. He briefed us on the current issues on Tibet and told us about his middle way approach that seeks genuine autonomy for his country,” Fehr said.
“It is good for China to negotiate with the Dalai Lama. Otherwise, it is harmful for China’s foreign policy. Where ever Chinese leaders go there are demonstrations and China’s human rights records are always on the agenda.”
Tibet’s spiritual leader the Dalai Lama fled to India after an aborted uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.
A visit by a delegation to China last September raised hopes for dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama.
About 2,500 Tibetans live in Switzerland.
