Paris told not to step in China's affairs

China yesterday urged the city of Paris to stop interfering in the country's internal affairs.

"The city of Paris should stop repeating mistakes on Tibet-related issues," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.

The Dalai Lama's spokesman in Paris said the Dalai Lama is very likely to receive the title of "honorary citizen" of Paris early next month, according to the Associated Foreign Press (AFP).

Paris city council, led by socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoe, approved a resolution in April 2008 to award the title to the Dalai Lama. But the French government has distanced itself from the move.

The resolution provoked indignation from the Chinese people last year. "If it awards the title to the Dalai Lama, the Chinese people will strongly oppose it," Ma said.

Ma reaffirmed that Sino-French relations got back on track through joint efforts of both countries.

"We hope that France could work with China to remove obstacles and promote and develop bilateral ties in a sound and stable way," Ma said.

Analysts said Paris should act to reduce damage such a move would cause.

"The city of Paris should reflect on its move and minimize its negative impact on ties," said Pang Zhongying, a scholar on international studies at Renmin University of China.

Questions:

1. What title is the Dalai Lama likely to receive in Paris next month?

2. When was the resolution to award the title to the Dalai Lama approved?

3. Who is Paris’ mayor?

Answers:

1. Honorary citizen.

2. In April 2008.

3. Bertrand Delanoe.