Reportage – 2006

No solution, only hope for Tibetans after five rounds of talks with China

DHARAMSHALA, India, 25 February 2006

Returning after the fifth round of talks with the Chinese leaders, the envoys of the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, today stated that there is better and deeper understanding between the two sides but fundamental differences remained.

"As a result (of meeting with the Chinese leaders), today there is a better and deeper understanding of each other's position and the fundamental differences that continue to exist in the positions held by the two parties."

The two envoys, Mr. Lodi Gyari Gyaltsen and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen, released a statement after they reported to the Dalai Lama on Saturday. They were in China from 15 to 23 February. Two senior Tibetan officials accompanied the envoys.

The current process of dialogue between the two sides began in September 2002 after a thaw in relations, which had broken down in 1993. The first three talks were held in Beijing while the fourth round of talks was held in Berne, Switzerland, in June-July 2005.

United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party hosted the envoys. The envoys met the Executive Vice Minister of the Department, Zhu Weiqun, on February 22 in Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, during which they dealt with 'substantive issues'.

Despite the clear signs of differences between the two sides and no tangible results from the meetings, the envoys, however, are committed to move forward with the process of dialogue.

"This round of discussion also made it clear that there is a major difference even in the approach in addressing the issue. However, we remain committed to the dialogue process and are 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."

A large number of Tibetans have criticised the Dalai Lama for shunning the fight for an independent Tibet and feels that the current process of dialogue is a mere poltical gimmick by the Chinese leaders.

China occupied Tibet in 1959, which led to the flight of the Dalai Lama in to exile in India. He has since established the Tibetan government-in-exile in the north Indian hill town of Dharamshala.

The Dalai Lama and his exiled government is no more seeking an independent Tibet, but greater autonomy through negotiation.