Chinese officials will meet representatives of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today, citing official sources.
"In view of the requests repeatedly made by the Dalai side for resuming talks, the relevant department of the central government will have contact and consultation with Dalai's private representative in the coming days," Xinhua quoted a Chinese official as saying.
The Dalai Lama
"It is hoped that through contact and consultation, the Dalai side will take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China, stop plotting and inciting violence and stop disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games so as to create conditions for talks," the official said.
A spokesman for the Dalai Lama said today he had received notice of China's offer to hold talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama.
Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen said: "We have been told verbally, through private channels, that a meeting has been proposed. We neither know the date, the location, nor the topics that must be addressed at the meeting."
China denounces the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile after a failed 1959 uprising against Communist rule, as a traitor but since the anti-government unrest began on March 14th it has been under pressure to resume dialogue with his envoys.
Chinese police say rioters killed 22 people in Tibet's capital Lhasa on March 14th while Tibet's government-in-exile says troops have killed at least 140 protesters since the demonstrations began.
The Olympic torch is supposed to enter Tibet in early May to ascend Mount Everest and is to travel to Lhasa on June 19th.
Interpol warned today there is a "real possibility" that the Beijing Olympics will be targeted by terrorists or that anti-China groups could attack athletes.
China has been under pressure from the international community to resume dialogue with envoys of the Dalai Lama as a way of achieving stability in Tibet.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, visiting China for talks on boosting trade and cooperation on climate change, raised his concerns with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao about crackdowns in Tibet.
“Positive developments” on the issue could be seen soon, Mr Barroso said after his “encouraging” meeting with Mr Wen.
Speaking at a separate briefing later, Mr Barroso would not say whether he had urged China to meet with the Dalai Lama. He said he urged China's leadership to allow free access to Tibet for foreign visitors and overseas journalists who have been prevented from traveling to the region other than under government escort since unrest began.
The United States has welcomed China's talks announcement. "We are hopeful that this will be a new direction in their relationship," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.
Additional reporting - Reuters