Tibetan Information Office (TIO) is based in Canberra.

His Holiness’ envoys arrive in China for formal talks

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen will arrive in China today for the formal seventh round of discussion with representatives of the Chinese leadership.

They will be accompanied by senior assistants Sonam N. Dagpo and Bhuchung K. Tsering, both members of the Tibetan Task Force on Sino-Tibetan Negotiations, and Jigmey Passang, from the Secretariat of the Tibetan Task Force.

On 4 May 2008 at the informal meeting between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the representatives of the Chinese leadership held in Shenzhen, China, it was agreed to continue the dialogue process started in 2002 and to hold the seventh round of discussions at an early and mutually convenient date.

This meeting is taking place at a crucial time.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has instructed the envoys to make every effort to bring about tangible progress to alleviate the difficult situation for Tibetans in their homeland. It is hoped that this round of talks will contribute in resolving the long simmering issue through dialogue in the interest of stability, unity and harmony of all nationalities in the People’s Republic of China.

The discussions will take place on July 1 and 2 in Beijing.

Chhime R. Chhoekyapa

Secretary to

His Holiness the Dalai Lama