Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Canada
No. 42 - January 25, 2010

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, today issued the following
statement welcoming the first meeting in 15
months between representatives of the Chinese government and of the Dalai Lama:

"Canada has consistently advocated substantive
dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama or his
representatives. I urge the two sides to approach
this new round of talks with a commitment to
serious and meaningful dialogue aimed at
resolving outstanding issues in a manner acceptable to both.

"The Government of Canada attaches a great deal
of importance to the treatment of ethnic Tibetans
in China, and to their ability to exercise their
rights to freedom of expression, association,
spiritual belief and peaceful protest."

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874