By Estelle Shirbon
ROME – The Dalai Lama says he is extremely eager to negotiate with China about the
treatment of Tibet and is optimistic about the outcome even though Beijing remains 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 on Thursday.
“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.”
