Dalai Lama seeks EU model to resolve Tibet issue
The Dalai Lama has soughtautonomy for Tibet within China on the pattern of European Union and warned Beijing of growing frustration.
By PTI |
LONDON: The Dalai Lama today sought "meaningful" autonomy for Tibet within China on the pattern of European Union and warned Beijing of growing frustration within the Tibetan community if there was "no improvement" in the situation in his Himalayan homeland.
The Dalai Lama said "I am fully committed to the idea of autonomy for Tibet where Beijing would be responsible for defence and foreign policy, leaving business, education, environment and other matters to be handled by Tibetans themselves. That's meaningful autonomy."
"The world is changing. Look at the European Union. They are looking at common interests and common economic goals. That's one example. The individual state, in the modern sense, is not much relevant - this is my view," he told BBC Radio 4 today.
The Tibetan spiritual leader, who is on an 11-day visit of the UK, said such autonomy was in China's interest too, as "Tibetan Buddhist culture can make a great contribution to the cultural heritage of China."
The Dalai Lama said he wanted a "middle way" of autonomy, despite calls for independence among Tibetans. But he warned of growing frustration if there was "no improvement" in Tibet.
He said China was changing through "wider contact with outside world." He cited China's efforts to deal with the recent earthquake that left tens of thousands dead in Sichuan province as evidence.
"This I think is one sign that the people's Republic of China is changing. I think at least decade by decade. Hopefully now, this will lead to a more transparent attitude in other fields, including the Tibet case."
He also denied the Chinese accusation that he was inciting any protests.
The Dalai Lama said "I am fully committed to the idea of autonomy for Tibet where Beijing would be responsible for defence and foreign policy, leaving business, education, environment and other matters to be handled by Tibetans themselves. That's meaningful autonomy."
"The world is changing. Look at the European Union. They are looking at common interests and common economic goals. That's one example. The individual state, in the modern sense, is not much relevant - this is my view," he told BBC Radio 4 today.
The Tibetan spiritual leader, who is on an 11-day visit of the UK, said such autonomy was in China's interest too, as "Tibetan Buddhist culture can make a great contribution to the cultural heritage of China."
The Dalai Lama said he wanted a "middle way" of autonomy, despite calls for independence among Tibetans. But he warned of growing frustration if there was "no improvement" in Tibet.
He said China was changing through "wider contact with outside world." He cited China's efforts to deal with the recent earthquake that left tens of thousands dead in Sichuan province as evidence.
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"This I think is one sign that the people's Republic of China is changing. I think at least decade by decade. Hopefully now, this will lead to a more transparent attitude in other fields, including the Tibet case."
He also denied the Chinese accusation that he was inciting any protests.
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