World Tibet Network News Saturday, June 27, 1998

BEIJING, June 27 (UPI) - U.S. President Bill Clinton has called on Beijing to put aside long-standing political disputes and open a dialogue on Tibet with the dalai lama.

Clinton said today, ``I urge President Jiang (Zemin) to assume a dialogue with the dalai lama in return for the recognition that Tibet is a part of China and recognition of the unique cultural and religious heritage of that region.''

Speaking at a news conference following his summit meeting with Jiang, Clinton also praised the exiled religious leader as an ``honest man.''

Clinton added, ``I believe if he had a conversation with President Jiang, they would like each other very much.''

The comment drew laughter from dozens of Clinton and Jiang aides in the room.

Jiang responded by touting the positive aspects of China's rule in the Tibet, which he said ``liberated millions of serfs'' and brought prosperity to the remote region.

He also hinted at secret negotiations with the dalai lama, saying China and the exiled leader have ``several channels of communication.''

China considers Tibet an integral part of its territory, but many in the United States see the province as an occupied nation suffering under brutal atheist communist rule.

Earlier this month, Beijing ruled out any dialogue with the dalai lama, calling him a thinly disguised political figure working to split China.

On Friday, China's top official for religious affairs lashed out the White House for its concern with Tibetan affairs.