27 May 2008
Tibetans losing faith in talks, says Dalai Lama
(FT) The Dalai Lama has given a stark warning that he is losing the support of many of his followers inside Tibet because of the Chinese government's refusal to talk over the territory’s future. During his tour of European cities he expressed the hope that China will begin serious negotiations with his representatives over greater autonomy for the region in a few weeks’ time. But in an interview in the UK with the Financial Times, he indicated that more radical Tibetans, who urge violent confrontation with China, are increasingly losing faith in his strategy of securing autonomy through peaceful dialogue. Asked whether he was losing control over his followers, the Dalai Lama, said: "Yes, naturally. My efforts have failed to bring concrete results, so this criticism is becoming stronger and stronger". He warned that in recent times, many Tibetans had been showing "clear signs of frustration" with the lack of progress he has been making in talks with China. "There are many Tibetans who have the view that our non-violent approach is not having an effect".