Dalai Lama raps China over Tibet issue, worried about global warming

TOKYO, Nov. 3 Kyodo - The Dalai Lama reiterated his criticism Monday of the Chinese government over its handling of the Tibetan issue, while expressing concern over global warming, which is said to be affecting Tibet at a faster rate than the rest of the world.

Speaking to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo, the Tibetan
spiritual leader described the current situation of Tibet as ''very sad'' and
expressed hope that Tibetans and China will be able to overcome their
differences and reach a ''positive agreement.''
As for the approach to take in future negotiations with China, the 14th Dalai
Lama said he will leave it up to Tibetans to decide and refrained from
indicating his own view on the matter so as to allow them to consider the
matter without any bias.
On climate change, he referred to information provided to him by ecological
experts who say the melting of ice and snow on the Tibetan plateau, also called
the ''Roof of the World'' for being the region with the highest average
altitude, is ''much faster than general global warming.''
''We need special protection (for the) Roof of the World's ecology,'' the Dalai
Lama said to an audience of about 300, including some 170 media
representatives. ''The consequences (are faced by) not only 6 million Tibetans,
but also (people of the) whole world.''
He emphasized that Tibetans are not seeking separation or independence from
China but are seeking ''genuine autonomy'' as such situation has not been
realized despite reference to Tibetan autonomy in the Chinese Constitution.
Concerning an emergency meeting of Tibetans to be held in Dharamsala, the
northern Indian town where the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile is based, from
Nov. 17 to discuss how to approach China, the leader said he wants to ''remain
completely neutral'' for the time being.
''Since our approach failed to bring some positive change inside Tibet, the
criticism is also increasing. So there's no other alternative except to ask the
people,'' the Dalai Lama said, mentioning that Chinese suppression on Tibetans
is increasing.
''If I say I prefer this way, then that may become a hindrance or obstacle to
different opinions (and) feelings, out of devotion. I don't want that...so
therefore, I remain completely silent,'' he said.
The 73-year-old head of the Tibetan government-in-exile expressed hope for
''objective'' and ''open'' discussions that are not based just on emotions or
prejudgment but are carried out with a ''calm mind.''
''I think their mind should (be) open to explore all different sorts of
options. That's important. Sometimes too much emotion or just (being) fixed on
one thing -- that's sometimes Chinese,'' he said.
While mixing in his trademark sense of humor in his presentation, he noted that
Chinese suppression on Tibet has created a situation in which Tibetans born in
India are ''more Tibetan'' than young Tibetans who come from China-ruled Tibet
in terms of language and lifestyle.
''Whether intentionally or unintentionally, some kind of cultural genocide is
taking place,'' the Dalai Lama said. ''Not exact genocide, but something like
cultural genocide, very subtly.''
Although the Dalai Lama said he thinks the Tibet issue is ''hopeless'' locally
and on the short term, he said the matter is ''still hopeful'' when considering
it from a wider perspective as there are a growing number of Chinese who
realize that Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture are good and useful.
''They understand what we're talking (about). So I think (Chinese) Communist
leaders should have more spiritual mind...(rather than thinking only about)
money, power, money, power, money, power,'' he said.
The Dalai Lama, who arrived in Japan on Friday from New Delhi, said that once
there is change in the current political situation caused by fear and
ignorance, then a ''positive decision, positive agreement can be reached within
a few days.''
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.