Dalai Lama hails EU model, asks China for Tibet’s self-rule

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.

“Sooner or later we’ll have to talk with China’s government so the question of independence or separation is out of the question,” the Dalai said.

Earlier at a debate hosted by the Tibet Society and the All Parliamentary Group for Tibet, The Dalai Lama said he would go to the Beijing Olympics if Tibetan peace talks were constructive, although he had not yet received an invitation from the Chinese.

He said some Chinese officials wanted him to be at the event, which starts in August, but he would go only if the next round of negotiations, scheduled for mid-June, made progress towards peace.

“I have no indication about an invitation. Some individual Chinese want me to go there. If the meeting becomes concrete, constructive, and the situation inside Tibet were to improve and there was a long term solution I am ready to go.” Emphasising that he supported the Olympic games, especially the torch relay, the Dalai Lama repeated his call for an end to the disruption and protests that have dogged its progress around the world.

“I appeal particularly to Tibetans that they should not disturb the torch. I made clear from the beginning we support Olympic games, and then the torch is part of that. We must protect it.” He said it would become clear in the autumn whether the Chinese are serious about negotiating or whether the efforts were only for the Olympics.

He said, “China is a very important nation we must respect. It’s important to make clear wrong things about your friends through friendly manner.” He rejected suggestions that Gordon Brown had snubbed him by arranging their meeting at Lambeth Palace and not Downing Street.