Beijing: Giving up to the international pressure, China on Friday showed its readiness to hold talks with private representatives of Dalai Lama.

"In view of the requests repeatedly made by the Dalai side for resuming talks, the relevant department of the central government will have contact and consultation with Dalai's private representative in the coming days," Xinhua news agency said quoting an unnamed official.

Chine, from the beginning, made it clear that it would be open to hold talks with Dalai Lama. Simultaneously, it also made it clear that talks can be held more easily, if Dalai Lama gives up his "separatist activities", stop attempts to "sabotage" the Beijing Olympics.

Earlier, Dalai Lama made it clear that he was seeking autonomy not separation for Tibet and was ready for a dialogue with the Chinese government.
"It is hoped that through contact and consultation, the Dalai side will take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China, stop plotting and inciting violence and stop disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games so as to create conditions for talks," Xinhua quoted the official as saying.

China has been coming under mounting global pressure, including from US President George W Bush, to hold dialogue with the Dalai Lama since the anti-government protests erupted in Tibet which was followed by Chinese crackdown in the Himalayan region.

Source : PTI