Dalai Lama's envoys leave for Beijing

By IANS

Dharamsala, May 2 (IANS) In response to an invitation for talks from the Chinese government, two envoys of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama left India Friday for Beijing.

"His holiness the Dalai Lama's special envoy Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and envoy Keland Gyaltsen will arrive in China on May 3 for informal talks with representatives of the Chinese leadership," said spokesperson Chhime R. Chhoekyapa.

"During their brief visit, the envoys will take up the urgent issue of the current crisis in Tibetan areas. They will convey the Dalai Lama's deep concern about the Chinese authorities' handling of the situation and provide suggestions to bring peace to the region," Chhoekyapa said.

"Since the Chinese leadership has indicated publicly and in briefings given to foreign governments its position on the continuation of talks, the envoys will raise the matter of moving forward on the process for a mutually satisfactory solution to the Tibetan issue," he added.

This is the first official contact between the two sides.

Anti-China protests began in Tibet and neigbouring Chinese provinces March 10 this year. The crackdown by China has so far resulted in the deaths of at least 203 Tibetans, according to the Tibetan-government-in-exile here.

The Chinese government puts the figure much lower.