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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
January 20, 1999

Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has designated Julia Vadala Taft as Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.

Ms Taft will direct the Office of the Special Coordinator. A central diplomatic objective of this office is to promote substantive dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and his representatives. In addition, the office maintains close ties with the NGO community, and the American public. Consistent with our overall goal of promoting the protection of human rights in China, the Special Coordinator’s office will advance this goal in Tibet and seek to assist in preserving the unique religious, cultural and linguistic heritage of Tibetans.

Ms. Taft will take on this responsibility in addition to her continuing role as the State Department’s Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration.

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