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Sarkozy's foreign policy adviser urges China to talk to Dalai Lama

Other News Materials 9 April 2008 17:39 (UTC +04:00)

(dpa) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy's foreign policy adviser urged Beijing to revive talks with the Dalai Lama to resolve the conflict in Tibet, while on a visit to Berlin Wednesday.

Jean-David Levitte said there had been six rounds of contact between Chinese officials and emissaries of the Tibetan religious leader over recent years.

"Continuing with this dialogue is the best way to calm the current situation," Levitte said, adding that this was the joint policy of the 27 members of the European Union.

He noted that France had a central role to play, as the Beijing Olympics are taking place during the French EU presidency in the second half of the year.

Sarkozy would be representing both Europe and France when he travelled to Beijing, Levitte said.

The advisor said the French president was keeping open his options on whether to attend the opening of the Games on August 8.

Sarkozy has said on several occasions he could stay away from the opening ceremony.

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