German Chancellor asks China to push for success in talks on Tibet

Thursday, 9 July 2008, 5:00 p.m.

Dharamshala: German Chancellor
Angela Merkel on Wednesday asked Chinese President Hu Jintao to push
for a successful outcome to talks between China and Tibet’s spiritual
leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, AFP reported.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in her official office in the Chancellery in Berlin (File Photo)

“The chancellor said she hoped the dialogue between
representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government will
develop in a successful way,” said a statement from Merkel’s office
issued in Japan after the leaders met.

Merkel, in Japan for the Group of Eight summit, also wished Hu good luck for hosting the Olympic Games in Beijing next month.

The envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama held the formal
seventh round of discussions with the representatives of the Chinese
leadership in Beijing from 1 – 2 July.