Published by: World Tibet Network News ISSUE ID: 97/10/29

Reuters 29-OCT-97

The Federal Document Clearing House XXX a one-issue summit.

LEHRER: Related to this is the issue of Tibet. And, what is the U.S. position? Should Tibet be given its independence?

ALBRIGHT: Well, you know, it's interesting. I've met with the Dalai Lama. And the Dalai Lama is not asking for independence for Tibet. What they are asking for, which we support, is that there be a dialogue and that the unique character and religious nature of Tibet be appreciated and recognized. But the Dalai Lama

himself does not ask for independence for Tibet. Now the subject of Tibet will come up, and we will make our points there about the necessity of having a dialogue.

LEHRER: How do you and the president respond to the basic Chinese position that, not only Tibet but Taiwan also, those are internal matters of China and they're none of the United States business?

ALBRIGHT: Well, we make quite clear that they are and that there will be discussion, a reiteration of our policy, our one-China policy and the fact that we believe that there needs to be a peaceful resolution of the issue. But I think that they understand that the United States does have an obligation to

raise these issues because of our own values, and because of the way that we believe countries and parts of countries need to be treated.