Expressing deep concern over the increasing number of self-immolations by Tibetans, the United States on Thursday asked China to initiate unconditional talks with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao met her US counterpart William Burns and discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, including counter-terrorism and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's proposed visit to America in November.
'There was considerable disappointment in the Dalai Lama's entourage when it turned out that the two officials had specially flown to Dharamshala to request the Dalai Lama not to visit Washington, DC before Obama's first visit to China scheduled for November.'
The United States has said it will work with India and Pakistan to help the two countries overcome their differences on water issues which are a 'potential for conflict'. "We want to help countries avoid conflict over water. The potential for conflict over it exists not only in Pakistan and in India, but in other places as well," said Maria Otero, the US undersecretary of state for democracy and global affairs.
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