Chinese premier rejects Dalai Lama claim

BEIJING, March 18 (UPI) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday dismissed the Dalai Lama's assertion China is engaged in "cultural genocide" in Tibet as a lie.

Speaking to reporters in Beijing at the end of the parliamentary session, Wen also was quoted by the official Xinhua news agency as saying there are ample facts and plenty of evidence to prove the recent violence in Lhasa was masterminded and instigated by the Dalai Lama's followers.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising in Tibet against Chinese rule. The Chinese communist government has always referred to Buddhist spiritual leader's government-in-exile India as the Dalai clique.

The Chinese security forces' weekend crackdown on those protesting the Chinese rule in Lhasa on the anniversary of the 1959 uprising left at least 80 people dead, Tibetan exiles have said. China says 13 died in the rioting.

In his comments, the Chinese Premier said dialogue was still possible with the Dalai Lama if he gives up his calls for "Tibet independence," and recognizes Tibet and Taiwan are parts of China, Xinhua reported.