Resume dialogue with Dalai Lama's envoys: German leader to China

Expressing solidarity with the Tibetans in exile, vice president of the German parliament Claudia Roth on Monday urged China to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives for genuine autonomy in Tibet.

"I am incredibly happy to be here. I come here as a good friend of Tibet to share your problem, your sorrow, your tears and your smiles. I first met the Dalai Lama 25 years ago when I was the president of the Green group in the European parliament. And since then, we have been good friends," she told reporters here.

Roth is here to attend the official function to mark the 56th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising day on Tuesday.

"I am proud to be here to speak on this important occasion. It's a day of remembrance of the Tibetan uprising in 1959. We, as Germans, know it is important not to forget and to keep history alive. History is the basis to build a better future."

She voiced strong support to the middle-way approach of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to resolve the Tibet issue.

"The middle-way approach is a very good basis for real dialogue and I urge the Chinese side to accept this reach out from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people," she said.

The middle-way approach was in the proper interest of China because it was compatible with Chinese law, she added.

Roth urged other countries to support the Tibetan movement as it was based on democratic ideals.

She added that Tibet being one of the largest reservoirs of water was also crucial to stability and peace around the world.

The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. The Tibetan administration in exile is based in this northern Indian hill town.