Published by: World Tibet Network News, Wednesday, May 22 1996 Part II of II

ROME, May 21 (UPI) -- The dalai lama concluded a six-day Italian visit Tuesday by calling for renewed talks between Tibet and China to negotiate "a middle-of the-road approach" aimed at gaining independence for Tibet.

Tenzia Gyatsho, revered by Tibetan Buddhists as a man-god, left Milan for Oslo after his Italian trip, which included an audience with Pope John Paul II. He told a press conference he still hoped to one day meet with Chinese leaders.

"In 1979 I sought to open a dialogue," the Nobel Peace Prize winner said. "We want to discuss issues including independence for Tibet. I continue to maintain hope in a moderate, middle-of-the-road approach."

The dalai lama, exiled from Tibet by China in 1959, lives in Dharamsala, India. Now a rallying figure for Tibetan independence, he is the spiritual leader of some 6 million Tibetan Buddhists who have lived under Chinese rule for 46 years.

The holy leader, wearing a red robe and Western shoes, said he and John Paul spoke "on religious questions" during their private meeting Monday.

"We discussed the inequality between material and spiritual things. Despite the technological revolution, the problems of the individual have not been solved."

Tensions in Tibet have increased in recent weeks after Chinese authorities banned public displays of the dalai lama's photo.