Advertisement

Help
You are here: Rediff Home » India » News » PTI
Search:  Rediff.com The Web
Advertisement
  Discuss this Article   |      Email this Article   |      Print this Article

Dalai Lama is honoured guest, China told
Get news updates:What's this?
Advertisement
April 03, 2008 23:16 IST

India has told China that the Dalai Lama is an "honoured guest", but assured that it will not allow any political activity by the Tibetan refugees that might affect relations with the neighbouring country.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee also conveyed to his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi that India will protect its embassy and consulates in the country and ensure security of all its personnel here.

"Dalai Lama is an honoured guest. He and his followers are fully entitled to carry out religious and spiritual activities," Mukherjee told reporters, adding India will continue to offer him all hospitality.

Mukherjee, while referring to his telephonic talk with Yang on Wednesday night, however said, "Over the years, we have reached an understanding that they will not indulge in any political activity that will affect our relationship with any country."

Mukherjee emphasised India's position that the Tibetan Autonomous Region is part of China and that the Indian government "does not allow Tibetans to engage in anti-China political activities" in the country.

The Chinese minister appreciated the position. On ensuring security of China's interests in India, Mukherjee said he had told Yang that "whatever is possible, we will try to do to protect the properties, consulates and embassy, its personnel and the corporate entity" of China.

Recently, Tibetan protesters had entered the Chinese embassy in the high security Chankyapuri area in Delhi to mark their protest against Beijing's use of force to crackdown the unrest in Lhasa.


© Copyright 2008 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.
 Email this Article      Print this Article

© 2008 Rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Feedback