THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release April 28, 1994 STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY Vice President Al Gore met this afternoon with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, to discuss issues concerning China, including Tibet and other regional questions. As he did last year, President Clinton joined the meeting to pay his respects to the Dalai Lama, to discuss efforts to initiate a dialogue with the Chinese leadership and to inquire about efforts to preserve Tibetan religion and culture. These issues are of concern to the Administration, especially as it reviews the conditions required for renewal of Most-Favored Nation (MFN) status for China. During the meeting, the Dalai Lama discussed his views and concerns about current conditions in the Tibetan region. The United States continues to urge high level talks between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives to resolve differences. The President and the Vice President welcomed the Dalai Lama's offer -- contained in a speech in New York yesterday -- that he would be willing to meet with senior Chinese leaders to discuss issues related to his concerns for the people of Tibet. # # #