World Tibet Network News Saturday, May 09, 1998

By Ramesh Chandran

The Times of India, May 3, 1998

Washington: "In spite of the worsening situation inside Tibet, I believe China is in the process of changing for the better" said the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader as he arrived in New York to begin a lecture tour of American universities. He told reporters: "Even compared to one year ago, I think today it (Beijing) is now more open to expression of opinion, freedom,

democracy and human rights."

Viewed against China's overtures and conditions for talks, the Dalai Lama described himself as a "realist". In his interview to the media in New York, he adopted a hopeful stance. "........ I am simply trying to have meaningful dialogue with the Chinese government....As soon as some positive indication comes from the Chinese government, I am ready to talk-any where, anytime. I think eventually some kind of understanding will come".

Tacitly, the Dalai Lama acknowledged that Tibetans have become increasingly frustrated and are lossing patience and seeking to a "violent expression" as reflected by the recent protests in India last month when one follower immolated himself. The Dalai Lama told repoprters: "If I try to stop them with all my weight, then I have to offer them another alternative. That is not there right now, unfortunately".

He also added: "This year I think there were nine cases of bomb explosions in Tibet. Although they used the explosives on buildings, not human beings, there is a danger...a shift." The Tibetan leader also emphasised that stability was paramount to the Chinese leadership and pointed out "in order to achieve that, the best thing is dialogue and unity under the gun is not

genuine". He yet again told reporters that his call for enough autonomy was intended to protect Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture in his homeland.

The Dalai Lama also endorsed the Clinton Administartion's policy of muted criticism of Beijing and said that since he had detected a quiet shift in its policy, understated diplomacy might eventually lead to talks about Tibet's status. "China is in the process of change, changing for the better", the Tibetan leader informed reporters.

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