The Dalai Lama says he is pleased Tibetan leaders in exile have agreed to
continue to pursue what is called the "middle way" of seeking greater autonomy
for Tibet rather than independence from China. But the Tibetan spiritual leader
told reporters Sunday it is premature to immediately decide that no further
formal discussions should be held with the Chinese government. VOA Correspondent
Steve Herman reports from Dharamsala, India.
The Dalai Lama is warning of unspecified
dangers if Tibetan political leaders in exile are not careful in their strategy
towards China.
The Tibetan spiritual leader spoke to followers in the
Indian town of Dharamsala a day after the conclusion of an unprecedented six-day
meeting of nearly 600 Tibetans leaders from around the world.
The
conference expressed a preference to continue the push for meaningful autonomy,
rather than outright independence from China. But delegates also acknowledged
the growing number of people inside Tibet and in the diaspora who prefer
independence.
Speaking to reporters at the Namgyal Monastery after his
speech, the Dalai Lama expressed satisfaction the Tibetan delegates heeded his
call to clearly express their opinions, regardless of his perceived preferences.
"I think (it was a) very, very frank discussion, some cases heated
discussion. So I'm satisfied," he said. "You see they expressed fully what they
believe without sort of hesitation, without fear."
The Dalai Lama called
the meeting in this Indian mountain town where he has lived since fleeing Tibet
following a failed rebellion in 1959. China invaded Tibet in 1950 and contends
the region has historically been an integral part of the country.
The
conference also made clear Tibetan impatience with the hardening stance of the
Chinese in the recent formal talks in Beijing.
Leaders of the Tibetan
exile government on Saturday said no further talks requesting autonomy should be
held for the time being. But the Dalai Lama says it is too soon to declare such
a decision.
"Wait another month. Then we'll decide," he said.
The spiritual leader added he is eager to let Tibet's foreign supporters
have their say at a conference set to be held in New Delhi at the end of the
week. There is also speculation that a special session of the parliament in
exile will be called shortly. It is not scheduled to meet again until next
March.
The Dalai Lama also told reporters that while political
leadership is now in the hands of the elected Kalon Tripa or prime minister and
the parliament, he has a "moral responsibility" to continue as spiritual leader
until his death.
He again hinted at the possibility of choosing his
successor while he is still alive, instead of a reincarnate being selected after
his passing. He spoke at length about the merits of a "young girl" possibly
being chosen as the next Dalai Lama, commenting that women have "more or less"
achieved equality with men but are frequently more compassionate.