Tibet not part of China, says Fernandes

Dharamsala, Mar 10 (UNI) Former Defence Minister George Fernandes today said that Tibet was a not a part of China but an independent country.

Talking to reporters here, he accused the country's first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru for giving up the issue of Tibet at the international level.

''I have been speaking repeatedly in support of Tibet on various forums...The All Party India Parliamentary Forum has adopted a proposal for peaceful settlement of the Tibet issue, which will soon be forwarded to the Centre.'' Replying to a question over the country's secruity, he said relations between India and China were ''quite good'' despite the Tibet issu.

Opening of trade between India and China would help in improving relations between the two countries, he said, adding that Tibet - a - very important friend and neighbour for years -- should not let down now after providing it all support.

The former defence minister, however, regretted the position of the successive Central governments over Tibet, saying they had failed in viewing the issue in perspective.

UNI