Wen: Ample facts prove Dalai's role in Lhasa riot
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-18 11:09

There are ample facts and plenty of evidence to prove that the recent riot in Lhasa was organized, premeditated, masterminded and incited by the Dalai Lama clique, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Tuesday.

On March 14, violence involving beating, smashing property, looting and arson broke out in Lhasa, which was aimed to undermine the upcoming Beijing Olympics, Wen told reporters at a press conference following the conclusion of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature.

In the Lhasa incident, violent rioters injured, or even killed innocent people on the street with extremely crude means, smashed out vehicles and public facilities, torched down private houses, stores and schools, he said.

"This incident have seriously disrupted order in Lhasa and inflicted heavy losses of lives and property for the people," he said.

"Local government and competent departments have been strict keeping with the Constitution and laws, and excised extreme restraint," he said, adding that the local government have taken proper measures to quiet down the incident and protected the interests of the people in Lhasa and in Tibet.

The consistent claims made by the Dalai clique that they pursue not independence but peaceful dialogue are "nothing but lies", said Wen.

He said since the peaceful liberation and especially the democratic reforms in Tibet, the region has moved forward and become more developed.

"Those claims that the Chinese government is engaged in so-called 'cultural genocide' are nothing but lies," he said.

However, Wen said the door of dialogue still opens to the Dalai Lama so long as he gives up the position for "Tibet Independence", and so long as he recognizes Tibet and Taiwan as inalienable parts of the Chinese territory.

China's original proposition is still unchanged, Wen said. "We mean what we say. We need to watch what the Dalai Lama does. It is up to his actions."

He said the Chinese government is fully capable of maintaining stability and order in Tibet, and at the same time will continue to support the economic and social development, improve the livelihood of all ethnic groups, and protect the culture and environment in the region.

"We will never waver in this position," he said.