In Seattle, Dalai Lama Presses for Tibet

After four days of lectures in Seattle on love and compassion, the Dalai Lama turned to the tempestuous topic of the fate of Tibet within China. The Dalai Lama called on Beijing to open the region to foreign journalists, continued to press for his "middle way" of Tibetan autonomy, and reiterated his threat to resign as Tibet's political leader if his people continued to use violence.

The Dalai Lama told the Seattle Times that his reps are attempting to engage China in talks, but held that Tibet's back was to the wall, saying, "What more concessions can be given?" He demurred when asked about plans to name his successor. "I think I'm physically OK," he said, adding he'd think about it in "10, 20 years." (More Seattle stories.)