In connection with the resumption of negotiations between representatives of the Dalai Lama and China, the Foreign Minister stated:

“I am very satisfied that the negotiations between representatives of the Dalai Lama and China have now been resumed after a 15 months break. I therefore again call on both parties to engage constructively in the negotiations and hope that the dialogue will be carried through to a result which ensures that Tibetans attain genuine self-rule, with cultural and religious freedom and respect for human rights within the framework of the Chinese constitution. Dialogue is the only way forward to a peaceful solution to the question of Tibet.”