Published by: World Tibet Network News, Sunday, Jun 16, 1996

ddp/ADN news agency, Berlin, in German 1410 gmt 13 Jun 96

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel has criticized the order by the Chinese government to close the Friedrich Naumann Foundation office in Beijing, describing it as an "inappropriate reaction" .

Kinkel said in Bonn today [13th June] that the closure, which he disapproved of, had cast a shadow on the good relations desired by both governments. He summoned the Chinese ambassador to the foreign ministry to inform him of the German government's position. Kinkel stressed that he would "naturally" bring up the closure of the foundation office during his visit to China from 10th to 13th July.

The Chinese government had ordered the closure of the office in connection with the Tibet conference organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, will also be present at the conference.