Source: Central News Agency, Taipei, in English 0826 gmt 9 Mar 97

Text of report by Taiwan Central News Agency (via Internet)

TAIPEI, 9th March: A ranking Taiwan official in charge of mainland affairs urged Beijing on Saturday [8th March] not to overreact to the upcoming visit of the Dalai Lama to the island.

As a spiritual leader, it is "normal for him to preach religion", said Chang King-yuh, chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council in a radio interview.

Chang made the remarks in response to a warning by mainland China's Vice-Premier Qian Qichen on Friday. Claiming that the Dalai Lama's tour was political in nature, Qian said that "Taiwan should handle it appropriately".

"Freedom of religion is a right enshrined in the Republic of China's Constitution," noted Chang.

"Taiwan's Buddhists inviting the world-renown Dalai Lama to preach his religion and meet his fellow Tibetans on this island is natural," he said, adding that Beijing should not see any special political significance in religious activities otherwise it will only complicate ties with Taipei.