By VOA News

03 November 2008

Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, says he is giving up on 
talks with China about autonomy, adding that his faith in the Chinese 
government is becoming "thinner and thinner."

Speaking with reporters Monday in Tokyo, the Buddhist leader said he 
has to accept failure. He said he has no other alternative but to ask 
the Tibetan people what to do next.

He also said that suppression in Tibet is increasing and that he 
cannot pretend everything is OK.

The spiritual leader plans to hold a meeting of Tibetan exiles later 
this month to discuss a future strategy toward the Chinese government.

China accuses him of secretly promoting Tibetan independence. The 
Dalai Lama says he seeks greater autonomy for Tibet to preserve its 
unique Buddhist culture.

Envoys of the Dalai Lama arrived in China last week for talks with 
Chinese officials. But, the Dalai Lama declined to comment on their 
progress.

Dalai Lama, 73, urged the people of Tibet to keep their minds open to 
all different opinions and not be fixated on one issue like autonomy.

The Dalai Lama arrived in Tokyo Friday on a flight from India, where 
he has lived in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959.

He is scheduled to give a two-day lecture on compassion beginning 
Tuesday in the southwestern city of Fukuoka.

No meetings with Japanese officials have been announced.