Source: Zhongguo Tongxun She news agency, Hong Kong, in Chinese 0903 gmt 2 Aug 97

Hong Kong, 2nd August: A person in charge of Taiwan's "China Buddhist Association" revealed on 1st August that to strengthen exchanges between Taiwan and the Dalai Lama, the association would help the Dalai Lama to set up in Taipei the "Dalai Lama Foundation", which would serve as the Dalai Lama's office in Taipei. Relevant procedures for the establishment of the foundation are proceeding. The foundation is expected to be set up in September.

It has been learned that prior to the Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan this March, Taiwan and Gyalo Thondub, elder brother of the Dalai Lama [Dalai Lama's chief negotiator with China], reached a consensus on setting up the Dalai's office. After the Dalai's Taiwan visit, Taiwan' s "China's Buddhist Association", which was charged with the reception of the Dalai Lama, has been instrumental in assisting the establishment of the office. The same person in charge of the association revealed that in accordance with the consensus reached between Taiwan and the Dalai, this office will be a pure private office or a centre, not an official office. To avoid outside circles misunderstanding, the office will be named the "Dalai Lama Foundation". After its establishment, it will become a cultural and religious exchange centre between the Dalai group and Taiwan.

The same person in charge said the foundation is in a preparatory stage. Taiwan is also maintaining contacts with the Dalai's office. Once relevant procedures for the establishment and registration of the foundation are in order, the Dalai Lama will dispatch personnel to Taiwan to make final preparations. The Dalai Lama Foundation is expected to be set up in September in Taipei; however, the exact location of the foundation is yet to be decided. The pure-hearted abbots from the "China Buddhist Association" will then travel to India's Dharamsala [Dalai Lama's headquarters] and report to the Dalai Lama.