NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - President Bill Clinton tried to deflect criticism of his visit to Communist China next week on Thursday, by calling on the Chinese government to release religious prisoners and resume talks with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and secular leader of Tibet.

      Clinton has been criticized for agreeing to an official reception in Beijing's Tiannenman Square, the site of a massacre of hundreds of pro-democracy demonstrators a decade ago, as well as plans to continue China's Most Favored Nation trade status despite continued human rights abuses. After meeting with religious leaders at the White House, Clinton said: "We believe that China should resume talks with the Dalai Lama. We believe that prisoners of conscience should be released. I am convinced that dealing directly with the Chinese on these issues is the best way to make a difference, and making a difference in the end is what matters."

      Clinton also announced that Robert Seiple, president of World Vision, had been appointed as senior adviser to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright for international religious freedom. The president noted that China has recently released several religious leaders and agreed to sign international agreements on the freedom of thought and religion, but added that many still languish in prison. "Chinese Christians, Moslems and Buddhists remain imprisoned for their religious activities, including in Tibet, and other believers face harassment," he said.