LHASA, February 5 (Xinhua) -- China's policy of "All patriots
belong to one big family, no matter when they join the family"
will be implemented in Tibet, a Tibetan official said here Monday.
  Explaining the policy, Basang, deputy secretary of the Tibet
Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China, said
patriotism is necessary for national unity. Anyone who no longer
promotes or believes in the "independence of Tibet", will be
welcomed by the government, even though they may have previously
engaged in separatist activities.
  Tibetans residing abroad are welcome to return to their
hometown for visits, sightseeing or religious activities. However,
a small group of separatists will not be permitted to engage in
separatist activities or turmoil by taking advantage of the policy,
she said at a regional meeting on reception of returned Tibetans
held Tuesday.
  The government expects Tibetans living abroad to invest, donate
and contribute to their hometown on a voluntary basis, she added.
  Last year 408 Tibetans returned home from other countries
including India, Nepal, the United States, Switzerland and Sweden.
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