Open to talks but Dalai blocking the way: Hu

“Our conflict with the Dalai clique is not an ethnic problem, not a religious problem, nor a human rights problem,” Hu

said. “It is a problem of either preserving national unity or splitting the motherland.”

Hu, who made his comments in a meeting with visiting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, also reiterated China’s position that it was open to talks with the Dalai Lama, but that Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader was blocking the way.

He said China was ready to meet the Dalai Lama provided he desist from trying to “split the motherland”, “incite violence” and “ruin the Beijing Olympics”.

Meanhwile, addressing a regional forum in Boao on Saturday, Hu said his nation is a peaceful gaint tht will never interfere in other countries’ internal affairs.