CPI-M lauds UPA Govt's 'One China' policy

Coimbatore, Apr 1: The Communist Party of India (Marxist), in their draft resolution has approved New Delhi's 'One China' policy, but slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) convener George Fernandes for their flip-flop on Tibet.

As Beijing scrambled to contain the fallout of the Tibet unrest, the CPI-M remained stoutly behind them. "'One China policy', now the BJP leaders have come out with a statement last week attacking the Government's position on Tibet. And you have the NDA convener going further than that yesterday. Are they interested in spoiling India-China relations? That is a question? Because it is the Vajpayee government which signed the declaration which states that the Tibet autonomous region is a part of the People's Republic of China. We think that is a correct position," General Secretary of CPI (M) Prakash Karat, told reporters on the sidelines of the party's 19th congress in Coimbatore on Monday.

New Delhi has also assured Beijing of safe passage of the Olympic torch relay during its journey through India.

Meanwhile, China said it is open to talks with the Dalai Lama, but with certain conditions. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said in Laos that they were ready for a dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

"The channel for dialogue is always open. Only if the Dalai Lama gives up his stance on the independence of Tibet, particularly exerts his influence to end the recent violent outbreaks in Tibet, and admits that Tibet and Taiwan are inseparable parts of China, then we can continue to resume dialogue with him," Wen said.

Earlier, China had accused the Dalai Lama of orchestrating the rash of monk-led protests and rioting, the most serious in the Himalayan region for nearly two decades, in a bid to wreck the August 8-24 Games.

The spiritual leader rejected the charge, but reiterated that he wanted greater autonomy for his homeland, not independence.

ANI