Chief of Tibet Autonomous Regional Government expressed confidence in maintaining social stability and order under the leadership of the Central Government, despite secessionist activities in Lhasa, the regional capital.

Qiangba Pungcog, regional government chairman, made the remarks at a news briefing on Monday.

"Any plots to destroy social stability or to mastermind secession of Tibet are against the will of the people in Tibet and doomed to failure," he said, when disclosing casualty and damages in the Lhasa riot.

He said the security personnel showed restraint in the entire process of handling the incident. They didn't carry or use any destructive weapons in confronting with the rioters.

The chairman said people of all ethnic groups oppose secession and uphold national unity.

"Tibet is experiencing an unprecedented prosperity. Any plots to damage social stability or to mastermind secessionist activities are against the will of the people in Tibet and doomed to failure," said Pungcog.

(Xinhua News Agency, March 17, 2008)