The Tibetan delegation of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, holds a press conference in Washington, the United States, on March 17, 2009. [Xinhua]

The head of the delegation, Shingtsa Tenzinchodrak, a living Buddha, said the Dalai Lama is not simply a religious figure, but rather a political figure.

He said the central government's policy towards the Dalai Lama has always been consistent and clear. And he stressed that the central government is not to blame for the lack of progress made during three rounds of talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives.

He said progress would be made only when the Dalai Lama gives up his attempt to split the nation.

Some journalists expressed concerns about education, and the protection of traditional culture in Tibet. But the head of the delegation denied claims that Tibetan culture is near extinction, saying that it has been well preserved and continues to develop. He said all schools in Tibet now have bilingual education in Tibetan and Chinese.

The deputies also expressed their hope that foreign reporters would adopt an objective stance when covering stories about Tibet, and portray Tibet in a realistic light.

The delegation also met with Mark Kirk and Rick Larsen, the co-chairmen of the US-China Working Group under the US House of Representatives. The deputies expressed their concern over a resolution on Tibet adopted by the House.

Shingtsa Tenzinchodrak said the resolution distorted facts. He said he hoped the Congressmen would respect facts and discard prejudice.

In response, Kirk and Larsen said the U.S.-China Working Group will work further to enable Congress to have a better understanding of China.

Similar hopes were also heard from both sides during a meeting between the NPC delegation and John Conyers, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

(CCTV March 20, 2009)