Dharamshala: The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama today (Mar 10, 2004) said he is ready to meet Chinese leaders to secure a mutually acceptable solution to the Tibetan issue and hoped that a significant breakthrough in relations with Beijing is achieved during the year.

In his annual statement issued at McLeodganj on the 45th anniversary of Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama said he would leave no stone unturned for seeking a mutually beneficial solution to the issue that would address Chinese concerns as well as "a life of freedom, peace and dignity" for Tibetans.

"The issue of Tibet is complex and of crucial importance to Tibetans as well as Chinese people and requires careful consideration and serious deliberations on both sides before taking any decision," he said, adding it would take time, patience and determination to lead this process to successful conclusion.

He said despite decades of separation, the Tibetan people continue to place tremendous trust and hope in him, giving him a great sense of responsibility to act as their free representative.

Observing that Chinese President Hu Jintao's personal knowledge of the situation and problems in Tibet could be a positive factor in resolving the issue, he said as such he was willing to meet the present Chinese leadership.

The Dalai Lama said his envoys had established direct contact with Chinese Government in September 2002 and June 2003, which was a positive and welcome development, initiated during the Presidency of Jiang Zemin.