Conrad Ouchi

On Saturday, the state-run Tibet Daily newspaper didn't mention the talks and described the Dalai Lama as a criminal. "Patriotic people of Tibet strongly condemn and vehemently denounce the litany of crimes committed by the 14th Dalai Lama and his followers," it said.

Today's meeting comes after international calls for Beijing to talk directly with the Tibetan's spiritual leader. China has said 22 people died during last month's protests, but the Tibetan government-in-exile claims more than 200 people were killed and almost 6000 were arrested.

China's leaders,desperate to hold successful Olympics in August, may see the talks as a way to mollify the West and end pro-Tibet demonstrations.

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