International

Not seeking separation, says Dalai Lama

LONDON: The Dalai Lama on Thursday said it was in Tibet’s interest to remain part of China because of the “material benefits” this brought to the region.

He also said China was “changing” and he was “quite optimistic” about the future. “We’re not seeking separation. We’re very much willing to remain part of China because [as far as] material benefit is concerned it is much better. It is in our own interest to remain part of China,” he told the BBC.

The Dalai Lama, who is on a 10-day visit to Britain, praised Beijing’s handling of the recent earthquake and said this showed the country was changing.

“This I think [is] one sign that the People’s Republic of China is changing, I think at least decade by decade,” he said.

“Hopefully, now [this will] lead to a more transparent attitude in other fields, including the Tibet case.”

Insisting that Tibet was not seeking independence, the Dalai Lama said it was in the interest of China and Tibet to stay together.

“Sooner or later, we’ll have to talk with China’s government so the question of independence or separation is out of the question,” he said.

Though the Dalai Lama claimed that his visit was strictly “non-political,” observers noted that some of his engagements in the past two days have been of highly political nature. These included a speech to members of both Houses of Parliament and an appearance before the Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

In overtly political remarks, the Dalai Lama told the committee that Britain was not doing enough to help the Tibetan people.

He indicated that he would raise the issue when he meets Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Friday.

To avoid offending Chinese sensitivities, Mr. Brown has decided not to invite the Dalai Lama to Downing Street.

Instead he will meet him at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, prompting accusations of too much political correctness.

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