Tibet 'reform'

Peking (AFP) - The Chinese authorities have decided to open Tibet to the outside world in a daring reform aimed at promoting economic prosperity and weakening ethnic separatism, according to reports from Lhasa. The regional government will offer foreign investment incentives, direct air links with Peking, Kathmandu and Hong Kong, promote tourism and expand border trade with Nepal and other countries.

Exiles complained yesterday that the measures would not benefit Tibetans, and would encourage more Chinese migration to Tibet, where local people face being outnumbered.