Published by: World Tibet Network News, Monday, May 13, 1996

Source: Radio Australia external service, Melbourne, in English 1100 gmt 13 May 96

The Chinese ambassador to Australia, Hua Junduo, says it would be a very unpleasant episode if the Australian government welcomes the Dalai Lama later this year. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader is to make a 15-day visit to Australia in September. Mr Hua says China believes the Dalai Lama's activities are aimed at splitting China and not those of a religious leader. He says China is quite concerned with [as heard] the proposed visit.

A spokesman for Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says no decision has been made yet on whether there will be any official contact with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama met former prime minister Paul Keating when he last visited Australia in 1992.