U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has named a new coordinator for Tibet, who will try to promote dialogue between China and representatives of Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
Clinton announced Thursday that Maria Otero, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, will take on the role of special coordinator for Tibetan issues.
The State Department says Otero is expected to coordinate U.S. policies, programs and projects on Tibetan issues within the context of the U.S. relationship with China.
A State Department release says she will try to foster an environment promoting discussion between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese government, as well as support initiatives to safeguard Tibet's culture.