Brussels, 22/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - In a statement by the Dutch Presidency, the European Union has welcomed the visit to China by representatives of the Dalai Lama. This is the third time that such a visit has been arranged since contacts were re-established in September 2002, the Presidency points out. The declaration continues:
"The EU wishes this visit every success, and hopes that it will encourage the opening of genuine direct dialogue between Beijing and the representatives of the Dalai Lama, in order that a peaceful and sustainable solution can be found to the issue of Tibet. The EU will follow this visit with great interest".