Dalai Lama Backs Tibet Autonomy

NARITA, Japan, October 10 (AP) - Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, drew contrasts between East Timor and Tibet on Sunday to reiterate that he is seeking autonomy for his homeland, not independence from China.

``There are similarities between East Timor and Tibet. But there are bigger differences,'' the Dalai Lama said at a suburban Tokyo hotel.

Dressed in a traditional orange robe, the Dalai Lama also bemoaned the ``human suffering and violence'' in East Timor since the Aug. 30 referendum in which residents voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia.

``East Timor has had the opportunity to express its feelings, which is good,'' he told reporters. ``What I want for Tibet is autonomy, not independence, and nonviolence. Always no violence.''

The Dalai Lama also said Tibet's internal affairs, such as education and the environment, should be left in the hands of Tibetans.

Although he expressed optimism about resuming dialogue with Beijing, the Dalai Lama said he was disappointed at the lack of progress.

Tibet remained largely independent until Chinese troops invaded in 1950. Tibetans have chafed under China's often severe rule.

The Dalai Lama, who has been based in Dharmsala, India, since fleeing China in 1959, remains popular among Tibetans despite efforts by Chinese authorities to discredit him.

About 40 Tibetans who live in Japan came dressed in traditional garb on Sunday to be blessed, one by one, by the Dalai Lama.