DHARAMSHALA: French President Francois Hollande said he raised the issue of Tibet during his talks with the new leadership in China, AFP news agency reported.

The situation is Tibet is becoming increasingly grim as 117 Tibetans have set themselves on fire to protest against the Chinese government’s repressive policies in Tibet. The self-immolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans. 

President Hollande, who is on China visit, told a press conference that during his talks with Chinese leaders he also raised the issue of Tibet and human rights, with all topics discussed in a “frank and respectful manner”.

Mr Hollande said his talks touched upon Beijing’s human rights record.

President Hollande said the recent self-immolations “created some legitimate emotion,” Euro News reported. “Regarding human rights and democratic principles, they are both part of the dialogue that we are having. It should not be seen as an obligation, we should simply put this issue as it should be: as part of frank and respectful political dialogue,” he said. (Watch video)