The Dalai Lama has acknowledged that his drive for genuine autonomy in Tibet has failed.

Agence France-Presse reports that even though representatives for the Tibetan government are in China for the eighth round of Chinese-Tibetan dialogue, the Dalai Lama said his “faith and trust in the Chinese government is thinning” and the situation in Tibet is worsening.

The Dalai Lama has advocated a “Middle Way” approach of compromise and dialogue with the communist Chinese since their occupation of Tibet began in 1949.

“I have to accept failure,” he said.

He described the situation in Tibet as one of martial law and said Tibetan culture and the people “are being handed down a death sentence.”

Many younger, impatient Tibetans feel the Dalai Lama should seek total independence from China, and are not satisfied with his compromising attitude.

The Hindustan Times said the Dalai Lama now describes himself politically as “semi-retired” and is calling on the Tibetan people to actively engage in the democratic process.

–Julia Hengst/Newsdesk.org

Sources:

“China handing down ‘death sentence’ to Tibetans: Dalai Lama”
Agence France-Presse, November 2, 2008

“Dalai Lama raps China over Tibet Issue”
The Hindustan Times, November 3, 2008

“Dalai Lama admits Tibet autonomy drive has failed”
Agence France-Presse, November 2, 2008