India tells China Dalai Lama is honoured guest, can visit Arunachal

Addressing a press conference in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin today after attending the 7th India-ASEAN Summit and the 4th East Asia Summit, Dr Singh said he had told Mr Wen that India did not allow Tibetan refugees to indulge in political activities.

"As proof of that last year we took resolute action at the time of Olympics when there were reports that some Tibetan refugees might disrupt the process. That is the position that I explained to Premier Wen," he said.

China has objected to the Dalai Lama's plans to visit Arunachal Pradesh, large areas of which it claims as part of its territory.

Asked if there was any change in the Dalai Lama's planned visit to the state next month, Dr Singh said he was not aware of the Tibetan spiritual leader's plans and had explained this situation to Mr Wen.

He said he and his Chinese counterpart had, during their talks yesterday, agreed that all outstanding issues between them would be discussed through the established Government channels.

"We have also agreed that whatever outstanding issues there may be between us - and there is the complex boundary question which cannot be wished away - there are established Government channels to exchange views on all these issues, and one does not have therefore to go to the media to accentuate or exaggerate the amount of differences that prevail. We both agreed that the boundary question is a complex question; that pending a resolution of the boundary question we both have an obligation to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border," he said.

Dr Singh said he had a "frank and constructive" exchange of views with Mr Wen, both during their formal meeting yesterday and at the gala dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister last night.

"We discussed all these issues and agreed that existing mechanisms for bilateral cooperation should be used to resolve all issues amicably in the spirit of the strategic and cooperative partnerships. As you know, the Chinese Foreign Minister will be visiting India in two days’ time and the Foreign Ministers will have an opportunity to discuss all issues which have bearing on our relationship," he said.

The Prime Minister said he and Mr Wen had reaffirmed the need to maintain peace and tranquility on the border pending a resolution of the boundary question.

"Both of us agreed that we should continue and strengthen efforts to build political trust and understanding," he said.

In response to another question, Dr Singh said he had also raised the issue about media reports about China planning to build dams on the upper reaches of Brahmaputra.

"I did raise this issue with Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday. I conveyed to him that cooperation in the area of trans-border rivers is of mutual benefit. Premier Wen said that keeping in mind the overall friendly relations and the humanitarian aspects, the Chinese side has been providing hydrological data during the flood season. He said that relevant discussion on trans-border river issues could be held through the expert level mechanism that we have constituted," he said.

Replying to a question, Dr Singh said he planned to visit Jammu and Kashmir soon to inaugurate railway projects.

He said it was the Government's sincere desire to engage all sections of political opinion in Jammu and Kashmir to find practical and pragmatic solutions to the problems facing the state.

"I recognise that there are some political groups who are outside the mainstream. We would like them also to engage in a constructive dialogue with us. I have already had two-three meetings with the Hurriyat people. They had promised to come back with specific suggestions. I am still waiting for them," he added.

NNN