US Department of State comments on fourth round of talks

US Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
2005/670

Statement by Sean McCormack, Spokesman

Dalai Lama’s Special Envoys Meeting with Chinese Officials

The United States is pleased that the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoys met with Chinese officials in Bern, Switzerland, June 29-30. This is the fourth meeting since the two sides renewed contact in September 2002. We are encouraged that the dialogue has been maintained.

The United States continues to urge China’s leadership to engage in substantive discussions with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to resolve longstanding differences. We follow these visits closely and we expect they will lead to progress. We look forward to hearing more about this round of talks and hope this meeting provides a foundation for future discussions and progress.