http://www.ftchinese.com/story.php?lang=en&storyid=001023120
Envoys of the Dalai Lama have rejected Beijing's accusations that Tibetans are trying to break away from China and expressed deep frustration about recent talks with their Chinese counterparts.
“Our biggest disappointment is the total lack of willingness to seriously reciprocate our very sincere efforts,” said Lodi Gyari, special envoy of the Dalai Lama, at a press conference yesterday in Dharamsala, home to the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Mr Gyari added that he was “not confident” about future talks with Beijing.
“His Holiness has felt that the best way is through dialogue. But China has been uncompromising and unwilling to be responsive,” he said.
Mr Gyari's comments came ahead of a six-day meeting of Tibetan diaspora leaders in Dharamsala that begins today and could signal a turning point in Tibetan politics.
Hundreds of prominent members of the community in exile will discuss the future of the Tibetan people and debate how to advance the Tibetan cause. Officials in the Tibetan government-in-exile, heads of non-governmental organisations, activists, scholars and heads of cultural institutions will attend and draw recommendations for next steps by the end of the week.”
Tsewang Rigzin, president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, said: “Any decision could be the basis for how we go forward.”
However, the Dalai Lama will not attend the special meeting. “His Holiness wants to give Tibetan people the opportunity to express their views. He is neutral,” said Mr Gyari.
Discussions have taken on added urgency in light of widespread pro-Tibet demonstrations in March that prompted an aggressive Chinese crackdown.
Mr Gyari insisted the Dalai Lama sought autonomy within China, not independence. However, his Chinese counterpart maintained that the Dalai Lama harboured a “hidden agenda” for independence.
In an effort to make talks with China transparent, Mr Gyari released the text of a memo, outlining hopes for autonomy, that he presented to Beijing earlier this month. Mr Gyari said China's “misunderstanding and distortion” of the memo prompted the public disclosure.
The memo was drafted after Beijing asked the Tibetan envoys to clarify definitions of autonomy during talks this summer. It requests self-government in religion, language, culture and other areas and underscores “the Dalai Lama's commitment to seek a solution for the Tibetan people within the People's Republic of China”.
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