Talks with China over Tibet inconclusive

BEIJING, July 5 (UPI) -- Representatives of the Dalai Lama said Saturday, after meetings this week, that Chinese officials were unwilling even to agree on a statement on further talks.

Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen said the Chinese had refused to agree to "tangible steps," The Washington Post reported. They issued a statement from Dharmsala, India, where the exiled Tibetan leader lives.

Chinese newspapers and news agencies quoted the government Thursday as saying the Dalai Lama must show he is not involved in efforts to disrupt the Beijing Olympics. The exiled Tibetan religious leader has consistently said he supports the games, the newspaper said.

International advocates for Tibet had hoped China would be more willing to negotiate before the Olympics.

"It seems that hard-liners in China are fixed upon a failed policy in Tibet and blocking an achievable solution," said Kate Saunders of the International Campaign for Tibet.