Dalai Lama Announces Intentions to Quit As Political Leader of Tibet

In a statement posted on his website Thursday, the Dalai Lama announced he plans to resign as the leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile and allow the country to elect a new leader. He said he believes the change will “benefit Tibetans in the long run.” A rep for the Dalai Lama said parliament will meet on March 14 to determine if they will approve his request.  

"Tibetans need a leader, elected freely by the Tibetan people, to whom I can devolve power. Now, we have clearly reached the time to put this into effect,” the Dalai Lama wrote on his website.

"Since I made my intention clear, I have received repeated and earnest requests both from within Tibet and outside, to continue to provide political leadership," the 75-year-old continued. "My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run.

"It is not because I feel disheartened. Tibetans have placed such faith and trust in me that as one among them I am committed to playing my part in the just cause of Tibet," he added. "I trust that gradually people will come to understand my intention, will support my decision and accordingly let it take effect."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry denounced the statement, calling it “one of his tricks to deceive the international community.”

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