Tibetan head denies use of lethal force

BEIJING, March 18 (UPI) -- The governor of Tibet, blaming supporters of the Dalai Lama for the recent rioting in Lhasa, denies Chinese forces used lethal force to quell the violence.

"Throughout the process, (security forces) did not carry or use any destructive weapons, but tear gas and water cannons were employed," Qiangba Puncog, designated as chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Government, told a news conference, Xinhua reported.

Tibetan exiles say at least 80 protesters were killed last Friday as they demonstrated against Chinese rule on the anniversary of the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising. China has put the death toll at 13.

The governor criticized what he called Western media's distortion in describing the events as peaceful demonstration.

"I'm indignant to hear that the Dalai clique (Chinese description of the Tibetan spiritual leader) and some Westerners call the severe violence a 'peaceful demonstration,'" he said.

Qiangba said foreign nationals and firms were neither being asked to stay or leave Tibet, but added "it is not the right time for them to come to Tibet, due to safety concerns." Travel by foreigners in Tibet has been suspended.