IndiaPost.com - Dalai Lama honored guest, India tells China

NEW DELHI: India has told China that the Dalai Lama is an "honored guest" but assured that it will not allow any political activity by the Tibetan refugees that might affect relations with the neighboring country.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee also conveyed to his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi that India will protect its embassy and consulates in the country and ensure security of all its personnel here. "Dalai Lama is an honored guest.

He and his followers are fully entitled to carry out religious and spiritual activities," Mukherjee told reporters; adding India will continue to offer him all hospitality. Mukherjee, while referring to his telephonic talk with Yang last night, said, however, that "over the years, we have reached an understanding that they will not indulge in any political activity that will affect our relationship with any country."

Mukherjee emphasized India's position that the Tibetan Autonomous Region is part of China and that the Indian government "does not allow Tibetans to engage in anti-China political activities" in the country.

The Chinese minister appreciated the position. On ensuring security of China's interests in India, Mukherjee said he had told Yang that "whatever is possible, we will try to do to protect the properties, consulates and embassy, its personnel and the corporate entity" of China.

Recently, Tibetan protesters had entered the Chinese embassy in the high security Chankyapuri area here to mark their protest against Beijing's use of force to crackdown the unrest in Lhasa.