Dalai Lama news conference: Tibetan representatives talking with China

The Dalai Lama said Sunday morning that his representatives are conducting private talks with the Chinese. The talks follow the violent demonstrations that erupted in Tibet last month and protests that have disrupted the Olympic torch relay at various stops around the world.

The Tibetan Buddhist leader characterized the talks as "some efforts" through "private channels" and said they are "still in full mystery. I don't want any speculation."

He said he himself had no direct contact.

The Dalai Lama made his remarks during a press conference, the first time he has spoken at length publicly about the situation in Tibet since his arrival in Seattle a few days ago for a five-day gathering on compassion.

The Nobel laureate reiterated his support for Beijing's hosting of the Olympics, but said it was up to individual heads of state to decide whether or not to boycott the opening ceremonies.

Several leaders — including the prime minister of Britain, the German chancellor and the secretary-general of the United Nations — have indicated they would not attend the opening ceremonies. White House officials said last week that President Bush had not committed either way.

When asked if he himself would attend if he received an invitation, the Dalai Lama said "I don't think I will get an invitation."

But if he did, he said, the most important consideration would be whether the situation in Tibet had improved, including the release of Tibetans arrested after the riots and the provision of medical help for those injured. He also called for Tibet to be "open to the world," with visitors and media allowed to go there freely to "see the actual situation."

He said protesters along the Olympic torch relay route — which is scheduled to go through India and Tibet in the next few weeks — should be allowed to continue to express their views, provided the protests are nonviolent.

He reiterated his statement from a few weeks ago that if things get out of control in Tibet, that he would resign as political leader.

The Dalai Lama said his "middle way" approach to Tibet's relationship with China was a good approach. He is seeking what he called genuine autonomy for Tibet to govern its own internal affairs, rather than full independence; and is open to talks with the Chinese government.

But he acknowledged some Tibetans have criticized him for it. Some Tibetans — mainly younger ones — have said this approach is too conciliatory and has not reaped results.

"Sooner or later, the Chinese Communist Party of China must accept reality and act according to reality," regarding Tibet, he said.

But he also supported China's ambition to become a superpower, saying the populous and ancient civilization deserves to become one.

However, he also said that China lacked a crucial element to becoming a superpower. While it has size, military might and economic power, it lacks moral authority, and that to play a more important role worldwide, "moral authority is very necessary. — Janet I. Tu