"We believe Julia Taftφs appointment as the new Special Coordinator for Tibetan affairs will help facilitate negotiations between the Chinese government and His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his representatives in resolving the Tibet issue," said Kalon Sonam Topgyal, Chairperson of the Kashag, the Tibetan cabinet, while responding to the announcement.

"And we view the appointment as an indication of the US administrationφs seriousness in facilitating negotiations between the two parties," the Tibetan minister added. "We also hope that Mrs. Taftφs personal interest in the Tibet issue and her tenacity for getting things done will contribute to realising her officeφs central objective of facilitating such a dialogue."

Responding to the harsh criticism of the Chinese foreign ministry against the new appointment, Kalon Sonam Topgyal said, "This new appointment is not anti-China, but is for the mutual benefit of the Chinese and the Tibetan people in that it will help contribute to resolving a protracted problem peacefully and through a process of negotiations."

The announcement was made by James P. Rubin, spokesman for the State Department, on January 20, 1999. "A central objective of this office is to promote substantive dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and his representatives," Mr. Rubin said.

This appointment will be in addition to and separate from Secretary Taftφs current position as the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration.

Referring to Mrs. Taftφs senior position in the US State Department as the Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration, Kalon Sonam Topgyal said that it reflects the importance the US administration attaches to the Tibet issue.

Mrs. Julia Taft succeeds Mr. Gregory Craig, now legal counsel to the White House, who was appointed as the first Special Coordinator on Tibetan affairs in July 1997.

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Last updated: 26-Jan-99