THE Central Government said Friday it would meet with the Dalai Lama’s private representative in the coming days.

“In view of the requests repeatedly made by the Dalai side to resume talks, the relevant department of the Central Government will have contact and consultation with the Dalai’s private representative in the coming days,” an official said.

“The policy of the Central Government towards Dalai has been consistent and the door of dialogue has remained open,” he said.

“It is hoped that through contact and consultation, the Dalai side will take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China, stop plotting and inciting violence and stop disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games so as to create conditions for talks.”

The European Union, Britain, Australia, the United States, Japan and Singapore welcomed the move.

Meanwhile, Zhanor, vice chief of the Tibet tourism bureau, said yesterday that Tibet will reopen to overseas tourist groups soon. He did not elaborate.

“Tourists don’t need to worry about their safety in Tibet,” he said. “Tibet will keep its image as a safe, healthy and civilized tourist destination.”

After the March 14 riot, the regional government stopped issuing tourist permits to foreigners, citing safety concerns.

By Thursday, 618 businesses involving 2,892 people who incurred losses during the March 14 riot in Lhasa had been granted a total of 1.5 million yuan (US$214,000) in government subsidies.(Xinhua)