I don't want independence: Dalai Lama

New Delhi: The Dalai Lama says he has completely accepted Chinese sovereignty over Tibet and he is no longer advocating independence for his land.

Speaking exclusively to CNN-IBN on the Devil's Advocate programme, The Dalai Lama says his call for the demilitarisation of Tibet and the return of all Han settlers is "a dream for the future and not a condition for today." The Chinese misunderstood my statement, he says.

The interview will be broadcast at 2030 hours (IST) on Sunday, April 8.

"I think they (the Chinese) didn't carefully read my statement in the '80s. My meaning (was that) eventually with agreement with India and other neighbouring states, Tibet, hopefully, should be a zone of peace, demilitarised. That's just my dream," the Dalai Lama claims.

In a remarkably forthright and outspoken interview, the Dalai Lama also explains what he means by "high-level autonomy" and "real autonomy" for Tibet. "I want the Tibetan people to control all aspects of their life, except foreign affairs and defence," he says. He claims the present state of Tibet under the alleged Chinese autonomy is "the rule of terror".

"I think many visitors to Tibet, including many Chinese, can see that Tibet is actually ruled by terror, the rule of terror. The Tibetans should have the final authority, except foreign affairs and defence. The rest of the business Tibetans can handle even better, because they know the Tibetan mentality, Tibet's geographical situation," the Dalai Lama argues.

"That is the meaning (of the autonomy) I am seeking. At present, on paper there's autonomy, but in reality every key position is occupied by Chinese, who have no idea of the past events, of Tibetan culture or Tibetan habits or mentality. Of course, there's no question (of understanding) the value of Tibetan spirituality," he says.

The Dalai Lama claims that the Chinese, among themselves, have different and contrasting views of Tibetan history, but added that regardless of the past he has fully accepted that Tibet was a part of the People's Republic of China.

"The past is past. When the People's Liberation Army came to Tibet, according to legal experts, Tibet was a de facto independent nation. Therefore, we consider it an occupied land. But that doesn't mean we are seeking independence. Because the world is changing and the reality is changing. Tibet is a backward country, economically, materially. Therefore for our own interest as far as material development is concerned, we want to remain within the People's Republic of China," he says.

The Tibetan monk says there are signs of growing frustration among the Tibetan people, particularly the youth, both inside and outside of Tibet. "If they really want a different approach, they must show us, show the people, their system and their method. Step by step. It is not very clear," he says.

He points out that the Tibetans have elections every five years and the youth, if they have a serious programme, can make it clear to the public and let them elect one assertive leader. "It's the truth. I admire their spirit, their absolute loyalty. But sometimes, they're a little bit impatient," he says.

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The Dalai Lama, however, says if the Chinese hoped age is against him and time is on their side, they would be proved wrong. "The Tibetan issue will continue even after my death if it is not properly and realistically resolved."

He, however, says he is optimistic about seeing Tibet again. "Judging by today's developments, I think things are hopeful. I am an optimist."

When asked if he would die an unhappy man if he didn't see Tibet again, the Dalai Lama says: "No problem at all. I am a Buddhist monk. I am over 71 years old. These seven decades, I have trained my mind according to Buddha's teachings. It doesn't matter."

Asked why he is insisting on the incorporation of all Tibetan-speaking people outside the present borders of Tibet within an enlarged Tibet, he says: "This is to ensure the preservation of Tibetan culture, which is dear to all Tibetan people."

The Dalai Lama says the Tibetans are facing the danger of diminishing their culture, their language in all parts of Tibet. "So, all six million Tibetans are very anxious to preserve their own culture and spirituality. Here, in a free country, we are acting on behalf of these people. Since we are not seeking independence or separation, we want certain rights within the concept of autonomy or self-rule. Our main concern is preservation of our culture, our spirituality and environment."

In the interview, the Dalai Lama also responds to the conditions laid down on March 16 by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao for talks with the Tibetan leader. "Now, the whole world knows I am not seeking independence. But as far as past history is concerned I always make it clear that the past is past. (How it is viewed) is not a political decision. It's up to historians, up to legal experts."

The Dalai Lama also underlines the need for India "to review from time to time" its Tibet policy and added that the curbs on Tibetan protesters during the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao last year created "resentment among the Tibetans."