Tibet's Future Optimistic: Dalai Lama
(The Times of India | Bombay | February 7, 2002)
Emphasising that Tibet's future was "optimistic", Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama on Thursday opined that "it is in the interest of China to change with global changes".
"Locally, the situation in Tibet today is almost hopeless with the presence of an unwanted guest but its future is optimistic", Dalai Lama, told mediapersons prior to his departure for New Delhi after a stay of over 10 days in the metropolis.
"Irrespective of being a great and powerful nation, China has to change with the global trends", the spiritiual leader, donning his trademark maroon-coloured robe, observed.
The worldwide trends in democracy, rule of law, freedom of press and speech and human rights has to be accepted by China, it being part of the world, Dalai Lama said adding that "the process of change has already begun in China".
"We are not seeking independence but Chinese should respect our culture and protect our delicate environment, due to the region's high altitude", the spiritual leader, in an apparent reference to his demand for autonomy for Tibet, said.
He, however, skirted the issue of conditional amnesty offered by Chinese government to Tibetans, staying in India and other countries. "We can take up the issue at a later stage", Dalai Lama added, who underwent treatment for bowel infection at a city hospital last week.
Friends of Tibet (INDIA),
PO Box 16674, Bombay 400050
www.friendsoftibet.org