Toronto: Canada will encourage China to seize the hand of friendship offered by the Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, a senior Canadian official has said.

"China needs to move forward. A golden opportunity has been presented to the Chinese through the hand of friendship and cooperation offered by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We encourage the Chinese to seize it," said Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and to the Minister of International Cooperation.

He was meeting with members of the Tibetan community to discuss the on going unrest in Tibet.

Canada will continue to encourage China to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama, to fully respect human rights, respect peaceful protest, show restraint in dealing with the situation in Tibet and allow unrestricted access to the entire affected region, Obhrai added. "An early, peaceful and sustainable resolution is in the interest of all," the official said.

It was a frank exchange of views with members of Tibetan community. I was encouraged to also see Chinese Canadians demonstrating and calling for dialogue, Obhrai added.

Source : PTI