Dalai Lama rejects Chinese charges

DHARAMSALA, India, March 19 (UPI) -- The Dalai Lama says he doesn't think the Tibetan cause would be advanced by Tibetans willingly walking into the line of fire.

In an interview to the ABC news in Dharamsala, India, the Tibetan spiritual head replied "no" when asked whether such sacrifices help the Tibetan struggle.

"Even (if) thousands of Tibetans sacrifice their lives, not much help," he added.

The report said other Tibetan exile groups, however, say they believe dying for their cause would help Tibet win autonomy or independence.

Prior to speaking to ABC news, the Dalai Lama addressed a news conference Tuesday in which he rejected Chinese charges blaming him for the recent violence in Tibet. He has been living in exile in Dharamsala since escaping from China following the failed uprising in 1959.

"We also want to make clear to the Chinese -- these movements, public movements, beyond our control. How can I control?" the Tibetan leader said.

Earlier, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao had said there was ample evidence the violence in Tibet last Friday was organized and incited "by the Dalai clique."

"Morally speaking also, I always consider myself free spokesman for the Tibetan people, not their leader or master," the Dalai Lama was quoted as saying. "So I do not want to say them, do this, do not do this."