Washington: The US has welcomed China's offer to hold meetings with representatives of the Dalai Lama to end the crisis in Tibet, the US State Department said.

"It's very encouraging," department spokesman Sean McCormack, said on Friday.

Washington has urged Beijing to engage the Dalai Lama to end the unrest in Tibet that erupted last month when demonstrations took place against Chinese rule.

China launched a forceful crackdown against the protestors, prompting a wave of international criticism ahead of Beijing's hosting of the Olympics in August.

The US has also called on China to allow greater access to Tibet for journalists and foreign diplomats.

The international tour of the Olympic torch has been greeted by protests in many major cities, including San Francisco, London and Paris earlier this month.

Source : IANS