UNITED STATES SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR TIBETAN ISSUES.

SEC. 621. UNITED STATES SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR TIBETAN ISSUES. (a) United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.—There shall be within the Department a United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues (in this section referred to as the “Special Coordinator”). (b) Consultation.—The Secretary shall consult with the chairmen and ranking minority members of the appropriate congressional committees prior to the designation of the Special Coordinator. 116 STAT. 1399 (c) Central Objective.—The central objective of the Special Coordinator is to promote substantive dialogue between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Dalai Lama or his representatives. (d) Duties and Responsibilities—The Special Coordinator shall— (1) coordinate United States Government policies, programs, and projects concerning Tibet; (2) vigorously promote the policy of seeking to protect the distinct religious, cultural, linguistic, and national identity of Tibet, and pressing for improved respect for human rights; (3) maintain close contact with religious, cultural, and political leaders of the Tibetan people, including regular travel to Tibetan areas of the People’s Republic of China, and to Tibetan refugee settlements in India and Nepal; (4) consult with Congress on policies relevant to Tibet and the future and welfare of the Tibetan people; (5) make efforts to establish contacts in the foreign ministries of other countries to pursue a negotiated solution for Tibet; and (6) take all appropriate steps to ensure adequate resources, staff, and bureaucratic support to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the Special Coordinator.