I have only one demand: self-rule for Tibet, says Dalai Lama

Reportage – 2006

I have only one demand: self-rule for Tibet, says Dalai Lama

DHARAMSHALA, India, 10 March 2006

The Dalai Lama, speaking on the 47th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising day

Dharamshala, India, 10 March 2006 The spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, speaking on the 47th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising day.

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The Tibetan spiritual and Temporal leader, the Dalai Lama, said he is demanding only self-rule for Tibetan people while speaking on the 47th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day at his exiled headquarters in Dharamshala.

"I have only one demand: self-rule and genuine autonomy for all Tibetans, i.e., the Tibetan nationality in its entirety. This demand is in keeping with the provisions of the Chinese constitution, which means it can be met."

Reiterating his stand of not fighting for an independent Tibet, he said, "My demand for genuine self-rule does not amount to a demand for separation."

He said it is a legitimate, just and reasonable demand that reflects the aspirations of Tibetans, both in and outside Tibet. "This demand is based on the logic of seeing the future as more important than the past; it is based on the ground realities of the present and the interests of the future."

The Dalai Lama, who is living in exile in India after the occupation of his country by the communist China in 1959, adopted a Middle-way approach since 1979, seeking autonomy, not independence, for Tibet through negotiations.

Direct contact between the two sides was resumed in 2002 after it was scrapped in 1993. His two envoys had five rounds of talks since then, with the last one held in the last February.

The Dalai Lama said his envoys had "frank and extensive discussions" with the Chinese counterparts. "In the fifth round of talks held a few weeks ago, the two sides were able to clearly identify the areas of major differences and the reasons thereof. They were also able to get a sense of the conditions necessary for resolving the differences."

China has always criticised him as a "separatist" and tried to check his travel, activities and meetings with leaders around the world.

Dharamshala, India, 10 March 2006 Tibetan youth painted in the Tibetan flag, participating in the 47th Tibetan uprising day.

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"I have never departed from my commitment to the Middle-Way Approach at any time and in any given circumstances. This is clear to the world. Unfortunately, Beijing still seems unable to overcome doubts and suspicions regarding my intention; it continues to criticise me of nursing a hidden agenda of separatism and engaging in conspiracy to achieve this," the Dalai Lama said.

While lauding the spectacular economic and social development in China and the infrastructural development in Tibet, which he said are "commendable" and "positive", he also expressed the need for China to address the need for change to comply with modern times.

"The fundamental issue that must be addressed is that in tandem with the political power and economic development, China must also follow the modern trend in terms of developing a more open society, free press and policy transparency. This, as every sensible person can see, is the foundation of genuine peace, harmony and stability."

The Dalai Lama also expressed his wish to visit China on a pilgrimage.

"As a country with a long history of Buddhism, China has many sacred pilgrimage sites. As well as visiting the pilgrimage sites, I hope to be able to see for myself the changes and developments in the People's Republic of China."