Bush urges Chinese dialogue with Tibetan spiritual leader.

WASHINGTON. D.C., UNITED STATES (APRIL 9, 2008) POOL-

President George W. Bush on Wednesday (April 9) urged China to open
a dialogue with exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama.
Supporters of Tibet have been holding protests against China hosting the
summer Olympics.
"We both agreed that it would stand the Chinese government in good
stead if they would begin a dialogue with the representatives of the Dalai
Lama," Bush said after meeting with Singapore Senior Minister Goh Chok
Tong.
   "They would find if they were to ever reach out to the Dalai Lama
they would find him to be a really fine man, a peaceful man, a man who is anti
violence, a man who is not for independence but for the cultural identify of
the Tibetans being maintained," Bush said.  
  Bush also expressed concern over the current political situation in
Burma.
   "I'm disappointed with the progress made to date there. I would
urge the military leadership there to open up and respond to the will of the
people," said Bush.