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Twelve Nobel Laureates have written to Chinese President Hu Jintao urging him to open talks with The Dalai Lama after a series of self-immolations by Tibetans. The letter written by the group of laureates, including South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, said 'the international community is concerned by the drastic expressions of resentment by the people of Tibet through self-immolation.' "The Chinese government should hear their voices, understand their grievances and find a non-violent solution. That solution is offered by our friend and brother His Holiness, the Dalai Lama," the letter said. "We strongly urge the Chinese government to seize the opportunity he provides for a meaningful dialogue. Once formed, this channel should remain open, active and productive," it added. According to The Telegraph, over 30 Tibetans, mostly Buddhist monks and nuns, have set themselves alight to protest against China 's political and religious suppression. China has accused the Dalai Lama of inciting the protests in a bid to split the vast Himalayan region from the rest of the nation, a charge denied by the Tibetan spiritual leader. According to the paper, the letter, also signed by the East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta and Polish freedom fighter Lech Walesa, urged Jintao to allow religious freedom and peaceful protests in Tibetan areas and open access to foreign journalists and diplomats.

Nobel laureates urge China to begin Tibet dialogue with Dalai Lama