The Hindu : Front Page : China rejects Dalai Lama’s autonomy plea

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Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008
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China rejects Dalai Lama’s autonomy plea

Beijing: Taking a hardline stance a week ahead of a key Tibetan exiles’ conclave, China rejected the Dalai Lama’s latest plea for “genuine autonomy” for Tibet and ruled out any territorial “concession,” even as it blamed him for the failure of the just-concluded round of negotiations.

“Our contacts and talks failed to make progress and they [the Dalai Lama’s envoys] should assume full responsibility for it,” Zhu Weiqun, a Vice-Minister of the United Front Work Department of the ruling Communist Party of China, said on Monday.

The unification of the motherland, territorial integrity and national dignity were the greatest interests of the Chinese people, Mr. Zhu told a news conference here.

“We will never make a concession,” he asserted.

Mr. Zhu said the Dalai Lama’s demand for “genuine autonomy” for his Himalayan homeland amounted to seeking independence in all but name.

The November 17-22 conclave in Dharamsala, called by the Dalai Lama, is expected to decide on the future of Tibet and the floundering negotiations with Beijing.

This is the third occasion after 1951 and 1959 that such a conclave of Tibetans is being held. — PTI

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