Berlin - The German government Sunday called on China to show openness and transparency over the events in Tibet. Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier appealed for an end to the violence in the Himalayan territory in an hour-long phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Yang Yiechi.
On Saturday, Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed concern.
"Violence, irrespective which side it comes from, will not lead to solutions to the outstanding issues," Merkel, who maintains close ties with the Dalai Lama, said through her official spokesman.
She called for both the demonstrators and the Chinese security forces to show restraint and to respect the rights of individuals.
Merkel, whose talks with the Dalai Lama last year caused an extended chill in Germany's relations with China, repeated her call for the Chinese government to engage in direct talks with the exiled Tibetan religious leader.
Germany remained committed to religious and cultural autonomy for the Himalayan territory but was equally committed to a one-China policy that rejected any separatist aims, she said through spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm.
On Monday, around 920 German cities and towns hoisted the Tibetan flag to back the territory's demand for cultural autonomy. The day was chosen to mark the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China, which seized the Himalayan country in 1950-51.
The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, is a popular figure in Germany.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's invitation to him to a private exchange of views in her Berlin office on September 23 last year caused a rift in that was patched over only in January this year.
On Friday the German Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning for Tibet in response to the protests.
"In view of the unclear situation, the foreign ministry advises against travel to the autonomous region of Tibet," a spokesman said.
