Published by: World Tibet Network News Tuesday, November 18, 1997

NEW DELHI, 18 Nov (Dow Jones)--U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's new adviser on Tibet and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will both be in New Delhi this week, but won't meet - sparing India diplomatic embarrassment.

Thubten Samphel, a top aide to the Dalai Lama, said Tuesday that though the Buddhist leader had no plans to see Gregory Craig, other Tibetans living in exile in India may meet with him to discuss their concerns about China's rule over their homeland.

Craig's appointment last month 'is a statement that America is concerned. We hope that his appointment and his leadership will lead to us meeting with the Chinese leadership,' Samphel said.

China has condemned Craig's appointment as interference in its internal affairs.

India, fearful of angering China, discourages the Dalai Lama from engaging in political activity in the country where he has lived in exile since 1959. He fled Tibet during a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and Indian officials say they welcome him as a spiritual, not a political, leader.

Albright named Craig, who also is director of her Office of Policy Planning, to coordinate U.S. policy on Tibet and promote a dialogue between the Dalai Lama's government in exile and the Chinese government. He is accompanying Albright on a tour of South Asia that reaches New Delhi Tuesday evening.

In a statement last week, the Indian foreign office made clear it expected Craig to visit only in his capacity as policy planning director. The U.S. State Department responded with a brief statement, saying Craig 'has no plans to meet with the Dalai Lama during his visit.'

The Dalai Lama lives in the northern Indian town of Dharmsala, but was in New Delhi this week on a lecture tour that has focused on religious issues.