US asks China for 'unconditional' talks with the Dalai Lama

WASHINGTON: The US has asked China to start "unconditional" talks with Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and address policies that have created tensions in Tibet.

"As we have long said, we are deeply concerned about the poor human rights situation in Tibetan areas of China," State Department Deputy Spokesperson, Marie Harf told reporters yesterday.

"We have continued to urge the Chinese Government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions as a means to reduce tensions, obviously urge China to address policies that have created tensions in Tibetan areas and that threaten the Tibetan unique culture," Harf said.

As envisioned in the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, the US continues with efforts to open a consulate in Lhasa.

It also continues to request the Chinese Government allow a consular officer to visit Tibet and ethnically Tibetan areas of China, she said.

China has said it is open to holding talks with a personal envoy of the Dalai Lama about the future of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader but ruled out any "independence or semi-independence under disguise" for the restive Himalayan region.