Source: Central News Agency, Taipei, in English 1432 gmt 13 Feb 97 Excerpts from report by Taiwan Central News Agency (via Internet)

Taipei, 13th February: Taiwan has ruled out the establishment of a Tibetan representative office in Taipei, as will reportedly be demanded by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in his forthcoming Taipei visit. Instead, it will allow the setting-up of a Tibetan cultural centre to improve religious exchanges between Taiwan and Tibet.

An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told CNA [Central News Agency] that although the government welcomes the Dalai Lama's visit, it would be inappropriate to host a politics-charged Tibetan representative office amid the current chilly relations between Taipei and Beijing, lest it stir up further controversy...

Two of the Dalai Lama's envoys are said to have visited Taiwan before the Lunar New Year, when they struck a deal with Master Ching Hsin, president of the Chinese Buddhist Association, which invited the Dalai Lama to visit. Under the terms of the deal, the Dalai Lama will visit Taiwan from 22nd-27th March, but the dates have yet to be confirmed, and are expected to be jointly disclosed by the two sides in the near future.

The Tibetan spiritual leader is expected to hold two or three religious rallies during his stay in Taiwan. But problems remain and since many local Buddhist groups are willing to sponsor the rallies in name only, rather than share the cost of the visit, this has cast doubts on whether the Dalai Lama will make the trip.