The London spokesman for the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, says he isexpected to make a statement soon, offering to hold talks with the Chinese leadership.

The spokesman Tseten Samdup said that when the Dalai Lama visits the United States in two weeks' time, he will also clarify his position on the status of Tibet, which came under Chinese control in 1959.

A BBC Diplomatic Correspondent says there's been optimism that China may soften its position on the Dalai Lama ever since President Clinton's talks with President Jiang Zemin in June.

The two sides have confirmed informal contacts over the past few months.