Nagpur: Tibet was awaiting a positive signal from China to send its emissary there to hold the third and fourth round of talks as part of the peace initiative, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said in Nagpur today (Jan 9, 2004).

"Tibet had started talking to China since 2002 and sent its representatives to China on two occasions and we are awaiting positive signal from China now," he told reporters at 'Anandvan', about 130 kms near Nagpur, after meeting Baba Amte - his old friend and a social activist of international repute.

Lama said his peace initiative with China has come in for sharp criticism, particularly from young Tibetans. "There has, however, been no change in situation inside China towards the initiative and that is our concern," he lamented.

People from China, mostly intellectuals, were showing interest in Tibetan Buddhism. "After the visit of emissaries from Tibet, we have succeeded in establishing a direct contact with China," the spiritual leader added.

"Our efforts will continue, as we are not demanding independence from China," Lama said. He also expressed happiness over improvement in Sino-Indian relationship.

On Ayodhya issue, for which he had yesterday appealed Hindus and Muslims to adopt "a mature, farsighted and open-minded" approach, Lama said he had no agenda on the matter to discuss. "All concerned should practice ahimsa," he said, adding that he felt sad watching conflicts among religious groups.

Lama, who arrived on a three days' tour of the region, expressed happiness at the improvements at Anandvan - an abode for lepers, set up by his "friend" Baba Amte.