An international media delegation left Beijing for southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on Wednesday morning following the riot in the regional capital Lhasa.

The Information Office of China's State Council has arranged a three-day trip for the delegation, which is composed of 26 journalists from 19 media organizations from different countries and regions, such as The Associated Press from the United States, Financial Times from Britain, South China Morning Post from Hong Kong and Central News Agency from Taiwan.

Lhasa is returning to normal after the March 14 unrest that was believed to have been organized, premeditated and masterminded by the Dalai Lama clique.

The riot, involving beating, smashing, ransacking and arson, led to the deaths of at least 18 innocent civilians and one police officer. It also left 382 civilians and 241 police officers injured, businesses looted, and residences, shops and vehicles torched.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2008)