Washington: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called for a negotiated agreement on Tibet and hoped that Beijing would soon invite Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama for substantive discussions.
"The Dalai Lama has made the human rights situation in Tibet an issue of international concern, and it is long past time to resolve it. A negotiated agreement would ensure internal stability in Tibet and bolster China's reputation in the world," Pelosi said in a statement issued on the occasion of the 75th birthday of the Dalai Lama.
"His Holiness has expressed a willingness to visit China and engage directly with high level officials. It is my sincere hope that Beijing will send a confident message by inviting His Holiness to China for substantive discussions," she said.
For thousands of people across the globe, Pelosi said, the Dalai Lama is a source of spiritual refuge and a connection to inner peace and harmony.
"He has travelled the world, building bridges between the different faiths. He has used his position to promote wisdom, compassion, and non-violence as a solution - not only in Tibet - but to other world conflicts," she added.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, July 08, 2010, 11:49