Pelosi caused no problems in Indo-US relations: Rice

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SPECIALCORRESPONDENT

25 March, 2008 10:16:00

Washington: US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice on Monday rebutted suggestions that United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's meeting with the Dalai Lama and her criticism of China during her India visit had caused problems in Indo-US relations. “Let me set aside the premise that there is some problem in Indo-US relations," Rice told reporters in response to a question about "Pelosi's indiscretion" with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. While referring to the Chinese crackdown in Tibet and repeated Washington's call to Beijing to have "a more sustainable policy" for Tibet, exercise restraint and have a dialogue with the Dalai Lama, Rice said, “We're going to continue to encourage that dialogue because, ultimately, that is going to be the only policy that is sustainable in Tibet." Mukherjee on his part said that India has "expressed its concern in parliament about the latest development (in Tibet). We do hope it will be possible to resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue between the parties concerned." Noting that the Dalai Lama and about 180,000 Tibetans had been given shelter in India, the minister said that they could carry on their religious, cultural and spiritual activities."But as part of our law, they are not entitled to carry on any political activities, as Indian citizens also cannot carry on any political activities which are inimical to any friendly countries or which can disturb the relationship between India and any other country," Mukherjee added. Meanwhile at the White House, press secretary Dana Perino said President George Bush's Deputy National Security Advisor, Jim Jeffrey, had met the Chinese ambassador to the US over the weekend and "expressed deep concerns over the widespread security crackdown in Tibet.” He urged them to be more peaceful and open to a dialogue with the Dalai Lama. (IANS)

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