The Asean regional bloc said Wednesday it opposed linking the issue of Tibet with the Beijing Olympics, saying this would only politicise the sports event. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) senior officials meeting in Singapore, which is the bloc's current chair, were briefed on recent developments in Tibet by Chinese assistant foreign minister He Yafei, the city-state's foreign ministry said.
"Linking the Tibetan issue with the Beijing Olympics will serve no purpose other than to politicise the Games," the ministry said in a statement. "It is in the interest of the region that a long-term solution be found that addresses the concerns of the Tibetan people while respecting China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The Asean members also expressed confidence that the Beijing Olympics would be a success." The Asean officials welcomed the "restoration of normalcy" in Tibet and China's decision to hold talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the statement said.
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