Tokyo, August 12, During an interview to the Japanese Kyodo News Service, the Dalai Lama made his position clear on the issue of the recognition of Panchen Lama. The Tibetan leader declared, "The Panchen lama is one of the eminent lamas of Tibet. The recognition of his reincarnation, as per past traditions, should be based solely on religious procedures. It will not do to force a decision based on political expediency. If such a decision is forced it will neither benefit the Buddha Dharma nor will it be accepted by the Tibetan public, both within and outside Tibet. There is no possibility of my accepting such a decision either. (EuroTibet News N·1)