With the situation in Lhasa back to normal, the local authorities are offering tax exemptions or interest-free loans to businessmen whose stores were destroyed in the riots, China Daily has learnt.

Baema Chilain also promised that tourists from both home and abroad might soon be able to come here. "Tibet is, and will, remain open to the outside world. The recent riots will not hinder our development and stability."

The mayor of Lhasa said yesterday that monks who participated in the recent riots still perform their religious duties and have full access to food, water and power supply.

Doje Cezhug made the remarks in response to some overseas reports that daily supplies for those monks had been cut off.

Major temples including Jokhang Temples, Sera Temple and Zebang Temple "enjoy stable water, food and power supply. And the religious activities there are normal as usual," he said.

The media group yesterday visited a Tibetan clinic and a school which were destroyed, and a clothing store where five sales assistants were burnt to death by rioters.