China didn't want its representative in Delhi when Dalai Lama was in the city

New Delhi, Dec 15 (PTI) Talks between the Special Representatives of India and China, slated in New Delhi for November 28-29, were postponed after the Chinese side expressed inability to attend it at a time when Dalai Lama would also be in the city for a Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC), the Indian government said. Responding to a question in Parliament, External Affairs minister S M Krishna said Wednesday that "on learning that the Global Buddhist Congregation was being organised in Delhi from November 27-30 where His Holiness the Dalai Lama would be one of the speakers," the Chinese side expressed their concern about sending a Special Representative at the same time. "They suggested that the government either prevent His Holiness Dalai Lama from attending the GBC or cancel it completely," Krishna added. Krishna said the government conveyed to China that it would not interfere in the GBC which was a religious convention and not an official event. Krishna said the government had tried to assure the Chinese side that a private religious event like the GBC would not have any impact on the government-to-government interaction. "The Chinese side expressed the inability of its Special Representative to be present in New Delhi at the same time as His Holiness Dalai Lama," Krishna told Lok Sabha, the lower house. Krishna said the two sides decided to continue to explore a mutually convenient date for holding the 15th round of the Special Representative talks. PTI