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Dalai Lama says Tibet autonomy drive has failed

The Dalai Lama said yesterday that the drive for greater autonomy for Tibet has ended in failure, urging Tibetans to be open to all options in negotiations with Beijing over the region’s future.

The exiled leader is on a week-long visit to Japan for talks on spirituality as the latest negotiations between his envoys and Chinese officials were due to begin in Beijing.

“My trust in the Chinese government has become thinner, thinner, thinner. Suppression [in Tibet] is increasing and I cannot pretend that everything is OK,” the Dalai Lama told a press conference.

“I have to accept failure. Meantime among Tibetans in recent years, our approach failed to bring positive change inside Tibet, so criticism has also increased. So there is no other alternative than to ask people,” he said.

The Dalai Lama has long championed a “middle path” policy with China, which espouses “meaningful autonomy” for Tibet, rather than the full independence that many younger, more radical activists demand.

“Their minds should be open to explore all different options ... and not fixated on one issue,” he said, adding that youth groups supported seeking independence rather than autonomy.

The Nobel peace laureate also spoke of his retirement and said he would ask Tibetans whether the centuries-old reincarnation succession method should end.

“My position is semi-retired. I look forward to complete retirement. My retirement is also my human right,” he said smiling, in apparent good health less than a month after surgery to remove gallstones.

During his stay, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to give speeches arranged by a Japanese Buddhist group and Tibetan supporters. He will also visit children and monks.
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