World Tibet Network News Monday, March 16, 1998

NEW DELHI, India, March 16 (UPI) _ Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, is suggesting some Tibetans may adopt non-violent means to end China's rule in the mountainous Himalayan region.

The Press Trust of India reports (Monday) the Dalai Lama has mellowed his demand of Tibet's independence from Chinese rule to ``genuine self- rule.''

Reiterating his personal commitment of abiding by non-violent means, the globe trotting spiritual leader, says lack of any substantive progress in resolving Tibet's problem was causing frustration among many Tibetans.

The Press trust of India quotes the Dalai Lama as saying, ``I am concerned that some Tibetans might feel compelled to look for avenues other than peaceful resolution.''

Mellowing his demand of Tibet's independence from Chinese rule, he called for negotiations with Beijing on grant of ``genuine self-rule.''

He said: ``My position is very clear. I am not seeking independence.''

He said the Tibetan people must be given an opportunity to have self-rule, to preserve their civilization and unique Tibetan culture, religion and language.

The Dalai Lama hoped the Tibetan issue would be resolved soon since China had become more ``flexible in its international policy,'' which was reflected in Hong Kong's smooth transfer to Beijing and signs of starting a dialogue with Taiwan.

The Dalai Lama and more than 200,000 of his Tibetan followers are living in exile in India since after an unsuccessful 1959 uprising against Chinese rule.