The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai
Lama said today that China and Tibet would eventually reach a mutually agreed solution to China's occupation of his Himalayan homeland.
The Dalai Lama, speaking at a reception in Australia, said international support was influencing views inside China.
He said he considered his visit to Australia's Parliament House here very important - despite the Australian government vetoing his National Press Club lunch being held in Parliament's Great Hall.
"On behalf of the Tibetan people certainly it is my duty to express my deep appreciation for what you express to me, your concern about Tibetan problems," he said.
"In spite of some sorts of declarations from the Chinese government side, and in some cases the Tibetan situation is worsening, in spite of that, my stand, no change, I am fully committed."
"I believe sooner or later some mutually acceptable solution has to be found," he said. "One good thing is the amount of Chinese, some intellectuals, and even some officials privately say they support my approach, but the official line, still they say, ‘not yet, not today'.
"But there is more and more support within the Chinese community, not only outside but also inside. Certainly the international community's support, your expression of concern and support, is certainly I think is one of the major factors to open their minds.
"When a genuinely mutually satisfactory solution is found then you can take a rest," he said.
AFP