World Tibet Network News Friday, May 1, 1998 (II)

By John M. Goshko

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, May 1, 1998; Page A33

NEW YORK -- The Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled leader, said today that he believes President Clinton's policy of seeking "constructive dialogue" with China might help to nudge Beijing toward easing the repressive control it has maintained in Tibet since 1950.

"In spite of the worsening situation inside Tibet, I believe China is in the process of changing for the better," the Dalai Lama said in an interview here as he begins a speaking tour of American universities. "Even compared to one year ago, I think today it is now more open to expression of opinion, freedom, democracy and human rights."

Looking ahead to Clinton's state visit to China in June, he added: "Under such circumstances, the president's visit could be useful; it could be helpful. . . . But it's too early to say."

Even as he spoke, Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, who is in Beijing to prepare Clinton's trip, got a frosty response to U.S. suggestions that China should renew dialogue with the Dalai Lama. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Tang Guoqiang charged that the Dalai Lama unilaterally cut off the channel for dialogue in 1993 and has continued a separatist campaign.

Yet the Dalai Lama contends he seeks autonomy, not independence for Tibet, and took a determinedly positive stance in the interview.

"I'm a realist, and I'm not seeking independence," he said. "I'm not even thinking that they should give the right to self-determination. I'm simply trying to have meaningful dialogue with the Chinese government. . . . So as soon as some positive indication comes from the Chinese government, I'm ready to talk -- anywhere, any time. I think eventually some kind of understanding will come."

The Dalai Lama, who had a brief meeting with Clinton at the White House a year ago, gently chided those who have criticized the administration for not speaking out more vigorously about human rights abuses in Tibet.

"I don't think the present U.S. administration has lessened its interest in Tibet," he said. "I feel that on issues such as human rights and religious freedom, it is better to engage Chinese leaders directly, without public condemnation. . . . Once you state a critical view publicly, then the Chinese government, even if it wants to change, would find it more difficult."

Still, he acknowledged that many Tibetans are losing patience and turning to "violent expression" like protests staged by some of his exiled followers in India earlier this month, in which one protester burned himself to death. He said he had pleaded with them to avoid such activities.

"But if I try to stop them with all my weight, then I have to offer them another alternative," he said. "That is not there right now, unfortunately."