74. EU welcomes the arrival of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's envoy in China

Bureau du Tibet, Brussels - February 22, 2006 By Tenzin Wangmo Dunchu

EU Coordination Office, Brussels - Since the resumption of Sino-Tibetan relations in the year 2002, the European Union is following keenly the developments of the talks between Chinese leadership and the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The EU calls for the protection of cultural, linguistic and religious identity of the Tibetan people and has been regularly taking every opportunity to encourage the Chinese leadership for direct and constructive dialogue with the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in order to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the Tibetan issue. Following the declaration issued by the EU Presidency in the light of 5th round of talks: Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on resumption of direct talks between the Chinese government and envoys of the Dalai Lama. The European Union welcomes the arrival in China on 14 February of a delegation of envoys of the Dalai Lama who will conduct a fifth round of talks with the Chinese Government. The EU strongly supports this dialogue and hopes that both parties will be willing to address in good faith substantive issues in order to find pragmatic solutions which can contribute to a peaceful and sustainable settlement for Tibet that both sides agree upon.