Reportage – 2008

Dalai Lama's envoys to leave for China

MCLEOD GANJ, India, 2 May 2008 Two envoys of the Dalai Lama are headed for China for talks to ease the current crisis in Tibet, according to a press release by the Dalai Lama's Secretary. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Special Envoy Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen will arrive in China on 3 May 2008 for informal talks with representatives of the Chinese leadership," says a press release by Chhime R. Chhoekyapa, the Dalai Lama's Secretary.

"During this brief visit, the envoys will take up the urgent issue of the current crisis in the Tibetan areas. They will convey His Holiness the Dalai Lama's deep concerns about the Chinese authorities' handling of the situation, and also provide suggestions to bring peace to the region."

The Chinese government announced a meeting with the Dalai Lama after it received international criticism and calls to meet with the Dalai Lama following crackdowns on Tibetan protests in Tibet since 10 March.

"Since the Chinese leadership has indicated, publicly as well as in briefings given to foreign governments, its position on the continuation of the dialogue, the envoys will raise the issue of moving forward on the process for a mutually satisfactory solution to the Tibetan issue," Chhoekyapa says.

The two envoys had met with the Chinese leaders six times since September 2002. Their meetings had not produced any substantial results.