'Singapore welcomes the decision of the Chinese Government to begin contact and consultations with the Dalai Lama's representative. This will help maintain stability in Tibet.

'It is in the interest of the entire region that a long-term solution be found that will respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain law and order, while allowing the Tibetan people the maximum possible cultural and religious space.

'No one, least of all the Tibetan people, gains from the continuation of tensions and protests and the attempts to link the Tibetan issue with the Beijing Olympic Games.'

SINGAPORE'S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, in response to media queries on China's decision to begin contact and consultations with the Dalai Lama's representative