The Dalai Lama delivers a statement at a prayer ceremony in Dharamsala, India on April 5, 2008.
This is the first time representatives of the Dalai Lama will meet with representatives of the Chinese leadership since the recent protests began in Lhasa and Qinghai on March 10 and quickly spread throughout Tibetan areas. According to Thubten Samphal, spokesman for the Tibetan Government in Exile, the envoys will meet with officials from China’s United Front Work Department.
The statement added that “the envoys will raise the issue of moving forward on the process for a mutually satisfactory solution to the Tibetan issue.”
Press Release
2 May 2008
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Envoys to leave for China
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen will arrive in China on May 3, 2008 for informal talks with representatives of the Chinese leadership.
During this brief visit, the envoys will take up the urgent issue of the current crisis in the Tibetan areas. They will convey His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s deep concerns about the Chinese authorities’ handling of the situation and also provide suggestions to bring peace to the region.
Since the Chinese leadership has indicated, publicly as well as in briefings given to foreign governments, its position on the continuation of the dialogue, the envoys will raise the issue of moving forward on the process for a mutually satisfactory solution to the Tibetan issue.
Chhime R. Chhoekyapa
Secretary to His Holiness the Dalai Lama