Published by: World Tibet Network News, Sunday, October 27, 1996

PARIS, Oct 25 (AFP) - France called Friday for constructive dialogue between China and Tibet on human rights and the status of Tibet, whose exiled spiritual leader Dalai Lama is currently in Europe.

"We recognize China within its borders, which include the autonomous region of Tibet," said foreign ministry spokesman Jacques Rummelhardt, who described the Dalai Lama's visit here as "pastoral."

Conceding that tensions exist between Beijing and Tibet, he said: "Despite these tensions we note that the Dalai Lama constantly reiterates his support for a non-violent path in general, and for the critical dialogue which the European Union has engaged with China on the issue of human rights."

"France wants to see a constructive dialogue established between the interested parties on this matter."

The Dalai Lama spent three days in Strasbourg before heading for Germany Friday evening. He is to return to France next week for two days, during which he will hold talks at the National Assembly in Paris.

China, which has ruled Tibet since 1950, has already condemned a visit by the Dalai Lama to the European parliament in Strasbourg that began Wednesday as "gross interference" in its internal affairs.

The European Parliament has shown strong support for the Dalai Lama since his first visit to Strasbourg in 1988 when a working group on Tibet was established.

President Jacques Chirac is to visit China in May 1997, his first trip there since coming to office 18 months ago.

The Dalai Lama unveiled a Buddhist exhibition, the "Circle of Peace" in Strasbourg on Friday, hours before leaving France for Germany.