New Delhi
6 September 2005
China has said that the Nathu La pass would be
opened for trade in the middle of next year. The Chinese ambassador in
India, Mr Sun Yuxi, on Tuesday said that experts from both sides would
meet very soon to discuss issues like connecting roads and setting up
facilities relating to customs, immigration and related areas.
Observing that "Tibet is no longer an issue" between India and China, Mr
Sun said the Dalai Lama should give up on his demand for greater
autonomy as there was an autonomous government in Tibet, which was
governing sucessfully for the last several decades. He was speaking at a
news conference called to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Tibet
Autonomous Region.
The Chinese ambassador said that doors for negotiations with the Dalai
Lama had been kept open but made it clear that if the Tibetan spiritual
leader really wanted to play a role in Tibet, he should recognise both
Tibet and Taiwan as integral parts of China.
Asked about India setting up its consulate in Lhasa, Mr Sun said New
Selhi has not applied for permission. He also hoped there would be more
direct flights to Tibet. About the Tibet issue, he said "if we (China and
Tibetan leaders) are talking to each other and understand each other, it is
progress".
On whether the Dalai Lama would be allowed to visit Tibet, he said he has
to first recognise Tibet and Taiwan as an integral part of China. Asked
about the prospects of joint military exercises involving India, China and
Russia, he noted that in some of these exercises, foreign observers have
been invited.
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