Qiangba Puncog, Tibet Autonomous Regional Government chairman, said at a news briefing Monday morning that the Tibetans will firmly fight against splitting efforts, safeguard the unified motherland, and keep social stability.

Qiangba Puncog said the separatists' intention which destabilizes Tibet would never win hearts and minds of the Tibetans, and is therefore doomed to failure.

"I believe," he said, "the autonomous regional government, under the leadership of the central government, is completely capable to safeguard social stability and the dignity of law, and make sure to protect the safety and interests of all people in Tibet."

(Xinhua News Agency, March 17, 2008)