World Tibet Network News Friday, April 17, 1998

TAIPEI, April 16 (AFP) - Tibet's government-in-exile opened a representative office here Thursday ahead of an expected visit by the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the office director said.

The Tibet Religious Foundation of the Dalai Lama, the de facto embassy of the exiled government, was formed here after the Dalai Lama made a landmark visit to Taiwan in March 1997.

"His Holiness (the Dalai Lama) has set up the Tibet Religious Foundation to provide whatever assistance and information required by our Taiwanese friends...to develop better human understanding and cooperation," said foundation managing director Kesang Takla.

Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui and Senior Minister Sonam Topgyal of the Tibet government-in-exile in India and ranking officials attended the opening ceremony.

Taiwan's Buddhist Association Chairman Master Ching Hsin, who invited the Dalai Lama for the historical visit to the island, told reporters that the Dalai Lama himself may visit the island in December.

"We hope he will stay for 10 days this time, but there is no confirmation yet from the Dalai Lama's office," Ching Hsin said.

During the Dalai Lama's historic first trip to the island at the end of March 1997, China launched a barrage of protests against him and Taiwan, accusing the two of colluding to split the mainland.

The Dalai Lama and Lee, Beijing's two arch foes, held a watershed meeting during the Tibetan god-king's six-day tour here.

After their meeting, Beijing labelled both the Dalai Lama and Lee as "splitists," bent on dividing China by separating Tibet and Taiwan from the

mainland.

Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1951 and eight years later brutally suppressed an uprising against their rule, causing the Dalai Lama and his government to flee, along with tens of thousands of people.

Since then, the 63-year-old Tibetan Buddhist leader has lived in exile in northern India.

Takla said Dalai Lama would continue developing friendship with Taiwan despite protest from China.

"They (China) complain about everything we do. I would not be surprised if they complain," Takla said.

The foundation is financed by the fund Dalai Lama collected here.

Takla led the Tibetan spiritual leader's mission in London for eight years before coming here.