World | India
Dalai Lama seeks autonomy for Tibet under Chinese rule
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has said he accepts Chinese sovereignty on Tibet, albeit with a measure of self-rule for the Tibetans, but asserted that the so-called autonomy granted to Tibet by the Chinese has in reality meant the "rule of terror."
- IANS
- Published: 00:00 April 8, 2007
New Delhi : Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has said he accepts Chinese sovereignty on Tibet, albeit with a measure of self-rule for the Tibetans, but asserted that the so-called autonomy granted to Tibet by the Chinese has in reality meant the "rule of terror."
In an interview with Karan Thapar of CNN-IBN, the Dalai Lama also expressed his disappointment with the way the Indian government banned Tibetans from carrying out demonstrations during the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India in November last year and suggested that New Delhi review its "overcautious" Tibet policy to bring it in line with ground realities.
Material interest
"Tibet is a backward country - economically, materially. Therefore, in our own interest as far as material development is concerned, we want to remain within the People's Republic of China," the Dalai Lama said in the interview to be broadcast tonight.
The Dalai Lama's clarification comes against the backdrop of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's offer to hold talks with him on the Tibet issue provided he dropped his demand for an independent Tibet.
Culture preservation
"Since we are not seeking independence or separation, we want certain rights within the concept of autonomy or self-rule," he said. "Our main concern is the preservation of our culture, our spirituality and environment", he added.
"I think many visitors to Tibet, including many Chinese, see Tibet is actually ruled by terror. The Tibetans should have the final authority, except foreign affairs and defence," he said.
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