World Tibet Network News Monday, May 11 1998

BOSTON, May 9 (AFP) - Two prominent opponents of Beijing - the Dalai Lama and dissident Wei Jingsheng -- met behind closed doors in a Boston suburb Saturday.

The meeting, which took place with some 60 Chinese visiting professors and Chinese scholars from area colleges, was kept private to allow participants to speak freely, said Laurence Simon, director of the Sustainable International Development Program at Brandeis University in Waltham, which hosted the Dalai

Lama's two-day visit.

The names of the professors were not released.

Wei Jingsheng came from New York to meet with the Tibetan spiritual and political leader-in-exile. Imprisoned for most of 18 years since 1979, Wei is a former electrician at the Beijing zoo who became involved in pro-democracy movements in 1978.

His cause was championed by an international cadre of writers and intellectuals. The 47-year-old was released in November on medical parole to seek treatment in the United States.

The two posed for photos but did not speak to reporters about the meeting.

A half hour later, in an address to about 7,000 people at Brandeis University, the Dalai Lama said he tried to assure the Chinese scholars that he is pushing for Tibetan autonomy, not full independence.

He said Tibet's best interests were served by maintaining ties with the larger country.

"I'm seeking genuine autonomy," he said.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner also said that the meeting "gave a clear indication" that the Tibetan cause had adherents among Chinese dissidents.

Like supporters in the United States, "they show solidarity with us."

"Therefore, I am very, very optimistic," he said, adding: "At the same time, I want to appeal to you. Please help us."

Simon said the Dalai Lama did not oppose the United States' designation of China as a favored nation in trade as long as US President Bill Clinton imposes certain conditions on Beijing.

Among them is the opening of negotiations with Tibet. President Clinton is preparing to visit China late next month.

In recent weeks, the Dalai Lama's stance on nonviolence has been tested by young Tibetans in India who have been continuing a hunger strike to force action by the United Nations.

Last week, a former monk burned himself to death when Indian police intervened to stop a lengthy hunger strike that had put several Tibetan near death.

On Friday, the Dalai Lama said he opposed such actions, but "I have to offer them another alternative, (and) that is not there, unfortunately. The alternative is true dialogue."

The Tibetan leader continues his two-week US tour with stops in Atlanta, Georgia and Madison, Wisconsin.