China expresses regret for the fourth International Conference
of Tibet Support Groups held Sunday in the Czech Republic, said
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue Monday.
In response to a question, Zhang said the Dalai Lama had been
engaged in China-separating activities and pushed for the
internationalization of the Tibet issue in order to create
favorable conditions for the "independence of Tibet".
The conference was just one of his tricks, Zhang said.
China opposed the fact that some countries having diplomatic
ties with China provide convenience and venue for the Dalai Lama's
China-separating activities, said the spokeswoman.
China had lodged representations with the Czech side prior to
the conference, and the Czech Foreign Ministry reiterated that it
stuck to the principled position that Tibet is an inalienable part
of the Chinese territory and the Czech government would not
interfere in China's internal affairs, said Zhang.
The Czech Foreign Ministry also made a commitment that the Czech
government leaders would not participate in the conference, Zhang
added.
China appreciated the Czech Republic's commitment, but still
regretted the convention of the conference there, said the
spokeswoman.
(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2003)