A spokesman for the Dalai Lama said he is disappointed that Denmark’s foreign minister did not call for more forceful intervention on Tibet during this week’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart. Read the full story

The Danish government is reconsidering its position on the Tibetan question following criticism that its statement made last December was too strong. Read the full story

It has come to light that Norway has been playing a pivotal role in attempts to bridge the gap between China and Tibet.

Several top level officials from Norway have been conducting secret talks with the Chinese and the Tibetan government in exile, led by the Dalai Lama.

The talks have reportedly been kept secret at the request of China, which has publically taken a hard stance against the region it believes to be an integral part of its territory.

The report in the VG newspaper cites American sources who have also been active in the talks. The Americans have reportedly praised Norway’s “wisdom” and “creativity” during the crucial stages of the talks.

The campaign for a free Tibet travelled as far as Reykjavik this week when a foreign protester sympathetic to the Tibetan cause arrived at the Chinese Embassy in the Icelandic capital and tossed red paint over the front doorsteps in protest.

Jan Jiricek was questioned by the police before reporting to the Icelandic media that he acted alone and was not part of any activist organisation. He said his intention was to raise awareness of the human rights violations perpetrated by the Chinese government in Tibet.

Ethnic tensions are increasing in Tibet in the lead-up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games being held in Beijing. A group of Icelandic visitors who had planned to visit Tibet were forced to make alternative plans when riots in the capital Lhasa raised concerns for their safety in the autonomous region.